CHICAGO — Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates is calling on Chicago Public Schools to borrow money rather than impose staffing or service cuts, as the district stares down a $400 million budget shortfall. Her remarks come amid deep concern among educators and parents that cost-cutting measures could negatively affect classrooms, especially in Black and Brown communities.
The union leader’s comments follow CPS CEO Pedro Martinez’s recent acknowledgment that the district may need to reduce staffing or delay programming to address the fiscal gap. But Davis Gates insists those cuts are avoidable — if city leadership is willing to take bold financial steps.
Union Demands Action Amid Mounting Budget Pressure
During a public address, Davis Gates warned that borrowing is a “viable and necessary” option to prevent undermining school communities already facing systemic inequities.
“Chicago Public Schools must stop running away from using its capacity to borrow,” she said. “Instead of defunding Black and Brown school communities, CPS must use every tool available.”
She added that continued austerity in majority-Black neighborhoods would only perpetuate historic disinvestment in education.
CPS Officials Weigh Options, Cite Structural Deficit
The $400 million shortfall stems from the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds and rising operating costs. District officials say some funding gaps could be filled through state and city support — but not all.
CPS has reportedly sought $150 million from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration and hopes to secure additional state funds in future legislative sessions. However, officials have not ruled out reductions to staff or academic initiatives.
“We are exploring all options, including advocating for more resources and potentially borrowing to close this gap,” Martinez said in a statement.
Political Implications: Mayor, Union on Same Side — For Now
The situation puts Mayor Johnson in a complex position. A longtime CTU ally, Johnson campaigned on promises to fully fund public schools and end harmful disinvestment in marginalized communities.
Although Johnson has not publicly endorsed the borrowing proposal, Davis Gates suggested that his administration should be more aggressive in supporting CPS through the crisis.
Observers note the rare political alignment between the CTU, progressive city leaders, and parent advocacy groups — all pushing for increased investment over cuts.
Community Concerns Over School Closures and Cuts
Parents and educators have already begun raising alarm over potential reductions in after-school programs, special education services, and school support staff.
The budget crisis has also reignited fears about the possibility of school consolidations — a sensitive topic since the controversial closure of 50 schools under Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2013.
“We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past,” said educator Adriana Solis, who teaches in Little Village. “Borrowing isn’t ideal, but cutting staff will do more harm in the long run.”
What Comes Next?
The final CPS budget is expected to be voted on in the coming weeks. Union leaders plan to continue rallying support for the borrowing plan and are organizing public forums to engage parents and teachers.
CTU is also calling for more transparency in how CPS allocates current funds and is urging the district to halt any preliminary staffing cuts until the budget process is finalized.
Do You Support Borrowing To Prevent Cuts At CPS?
Should CPS take on more debt to protect staffing and programming, or would that create bigger financial problems later? Let us know what you think in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
