Budgets are foundational as they determine the resources available for all school faculty, operations, including facilities, technology, extracurricular activities, and support services. Adequate funding ensures that schools can maintain safe and conducive learning environments, provide necessary materials, and support programs that enhance student learning and well- being.

Conversely, budget constraints can lead to larger class sizes, outdated materials, and reduced support services, negatively impacting educational outcomes. Effective budget management also involves strategic allocation to ensure equity, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to high-quality education and opportunities.

Student-Need Budgeting (SNB) should be the priority. Although dollars per pupil are essential, the specific needs of every child must be met with precision. Contingency funding, unrestricted CPS funding, and exclusive endorsement contracts can be used to fulfill funding gaps. These measures ensure that unforeseen expenses do not hinder the educational process and that every child receives the resources necessary to thrive.

In addition to funding allocation, transparency and accountability in budget management are crucial. By involving stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community members, in the budgeting process, we can ensure that funds are used efficiently and effectively. Regular audits and public reports on budget expenditures can foster trust and ensure that the community is aware of how their tax dollars are being utilized. Moreover, investing in professional development for staff on financial management can further enhance the efficiency of budget usage. With a well-managed budget, schools can create an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed academically and personally.

With nearly a $10 Billion CPS city-wide budget, Che “Rhymefest” Smith wants to see 4% increases in the graduation rate, Freshman On- Track rate, and college readiness. Additionally, he wants to see 5,500 CPS students earning college credit before graduation. Che “Rhymefest” Smith advocates for curriculum changes that would raise test scoring by 4% in math and reading. Che “Rhymefest” Smith wants to see 10,000 students completing Advanced Placement (AP) exams (a 3.6% increase) while working on school safety and a significant decrease in suspensions and expulsions by using Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Responses to Intervention (RTI); and more intervention supports, including the hiring of more nurses, counselors, social workers, academic interventionists, and advocates for students in temporary living situations (STLS). He supports a Comprehensive Whole School Safety Plan. He advocates greater access to high-quality arts education. Che “Rhymefest” Smith wants to see more schools earning the Illinois Seal of Bi-literacy. Che “Rhymefest” Smith would like to foster more than 92% of traditional, District-run schools to receive more money per student, in their school-level budgets when compared with the previous school year. Che “Rhymefest” Smith seeks transparency and fairness in the process of Request for Proposals. He champions fiscal responsibility as a CPS school board member.

New School Investments supported by Che “Rhymefest” Smith

  • $128 million more for special education teachers and paraprofessionals.
  • $32 million in new funding for teaching positions with highest-need schools.
  • $15 million increase in funding for bilingual instruction
  • $27 million to continue funding to a Community Schools model.
  • $13 million more for school nurses, social workers, and case managers.
  • $5 million increase in Equity Grants for smaller and under-enrolled schools.
  • Expanding pre-k by 480 seats with programs in all Chicago communities.
  • $55 million in support for expanded summer.
  • $45 million to provide teacher professional development.
  • $15 million to provide additional District-funded counselors.
  • $11 million to support 80 schools with yearly enrollment changes.
  • $10 million in continued funding for the CPS Tutor Corps.
  • $8 million to support athletics administration.
  • $409 million to support school-level funding and other local-level needs.
  • Continued funding for students in temporary living situations (STLS).
  • Staffing for Diverse Learners, English Learners, and STLS.
  • Supporting the greater diversity talent pipelines.
  • Building out our mental health support systems.
  • Funding to provide students with technical career exposure.
  • Funding for college readiness.

Investing in Safe and Supportive Learning Environments

  • $3.7 million for the Comprehensive Whole School Safety Plan.
  • $13 million for Choose to Change: A mentoring program designed to support students impacted by violence and trauma.
  • $8 million for Back to Our Future: Behavioral health services, mentoring and employment opportunities for students.
  • $22 million for Safe Passage: Adults from community-based organizations keep students safe on their way to and from school.

Supporting our District’s Long-Term Fiscal Health

CPS has been allocated more than $2.8 billion in reimbursable federal pandemic relief funds through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). As of June 2023, we project to have spent 65 percent ($1.82 billion) of these funds to support our students and families, with $670 million to be allocated as part of the FY2024 budget