Chicago Public Schools Rehire Over 300 Staff Amid Budget Constraints

This week marks the return of students to campuses, and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reinstated more than 300 full-time employees who faced layoffs this summer. Of these rehires, nearly 150 individuals have resumed their previous roles, as requested by school principals, according to Deputy Chief Talent Officer Jerry Taylor during a Tuesday evening virtual budget update.

Earlier this month, CPS announced that its amended $10.1 billion budget would not suffice to restore all 700 positions cut to address a $732 million deficit. While the number of teaching positions that will be filled remains uncertain, CPS officials emphasized their commitment to placing available staff in roles deemed critical by principals. However, the $100 million allocated in state funds falls short of restoring all the eliminated jobs, as noted by district officials.

Despite these challenges, the district has made headway in reducing the teacher vacancy rate, which now stands at 1.6% for the 2026-27 school year. This marks an improvement from the 2.2% rate reported earlier this month and a decrease from the 2.5% vacancy rate of the previous year. Vacancy rates for special education staff and bilingual teachers have also improved, both recording a figure of 1.8% for the 2026-27 school year. Earlier figures showed vacancy rates of 2.4% for special education staff and 2.1% for bilingual teachers.

“When we think about vacancies, I want you to know that those aren’t empty classrooms. There are faces, there are children in those classrooms, and it’s very important that we’re able to identify and hire staff to fill those vacancies across the city,” said CEO Macquiline King.

King emphasized ongoing growth efforts, particularly in the south and west sides of Chicago.

The update arrives amid CPS’s ongoing financial uncertainties, which extend into the school year. CPS operates with just 70% funding under the state’s formula. The school board previously approved an amended budget in July, which includes $150 million in unconfirmed state funds. This budget amendment necessitates restoring the positions that were cut.

District leaders previously warned of potential midyear cuts if the anticipated funds fail to materialize. King reiterated this concern at Tuesday’s meeting after spending time with lawmakers in Springfield. While discussions focused on maintaining relationships and expanding advocacy efforts, King confirmed the lack of secured funding, describing it as an “ongoing process.”

“In our conversations with lawmakers, we stressed that if we do not receive the additional funding that we need…we will be forced to make disruptive mid-year cuts to our classrooms,” King stated.

The priority remains to protect classrooms wherever possible. King underscored the commitment to securing full district funding, stressing the continuation of advocacy for additional state funding and the ongoing implementation and monitoring of the fiscal year’s budget performance.