# Committee on Education and Child Development meeting, October 16, 2024

- When: Wed, Oct 16, 2024, 9:00 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: [Committee on Education and Child Development](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/committee/education-and-child-development)
- Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1019868712
- Transcript: [full text](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/transcripts/1019868712.txt) (62,135 words, automatic captions)

## Meeting notes

> AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.

The Committee on Education and Child Development held a subject matter hearing on the Chicago Public Schools budget with CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and his finance, education and talent officers. CPS officials presented on enrollment, staffing growth since 2019, revenue constraints, the expiration of federal relief funds, the municipal employees' pension payment, and a request for about $484 million in TIF surplus instead of a proposed $300 million loan. Committee members and non-members questioned CPS on the projected deficit, under-enrolled schools, announced charter school closures, the leaked list of possible closures, state funding advocacy, capital needs, staffing diversity, and the Velma Thomas early childhood center. Several members expressed frustration that outgoing and incoming Board of Education members did not attend. The committee approved the Rule 45 report; no other action was taken and the hearing was adjourned.

Topics: CPS budget, TIF surplus, pension payment, proposed $300 million loan, school closures, state education funding, Board of Education, school staffing, capital needs, charter schools

### Agenda items discussed

- [27:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=1642) Public comment: discussed
- [57:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=3454) Approval of the Rule 45 report: passed
- [1:06:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=3976) Subject matter hearing on the Chicago Public Schools budget with CEO Pedro Martinez: discussed

### Alderpersons who spoke

- [Jeanette B. Taylor](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/20) (chair): Said the meeting was called so colleagues could get clarity on the CPS budget and that it was not about Pedro Martinez personally. ([1:06:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=3976)); Asked participants to focus on solutions for the budget and said the CPS deficit has existed for decades under multiple leaders. ([1:08:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=4110)); Said council members should be going to Springfield to press for more school funding. ([1:09:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=4153))
- [Nicole T. Lee](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/11) (alderperson): Said she and 40 colleagues called for stability and transparency at CPS after the board resignations and discussion of a $300 million loan. ([1:16:26](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=4586)); Expressed disappointment that outgoing and incoming board members did not participate in the hearing. ([1:17:38](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=4658)); Said the fight for school funding must be done by everyone and that state prison funding is outside the council's scope. ([2:47:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=10029))
- [Anthony Beale](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/9) (alderperson): Asked for the total CPS deficit and whether it was part of a midyear budget amendment. ([1:54:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=6852)); Asked at what point CPS would make cuts and layoffs if funding did not increase. ([1:55:50](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=6950)); Questioned funding Douglass High School with 39 students under the new funding formula. ([1:57:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=7054))
- [Matthew J. O'Shea](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/19) (alderperson): Expressed frustration that no Board of Education members attended. ([2:11:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=7896)); Described CPS investments in his ward's schools and in programs for students with disabilities on the South and West sides. ([2:12:13](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=7933)); Said divisiveness had destabilized CPS and urged the CEO to keep doing his work. ([2:14:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=8065))
- [Jessica L. Fuentes](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/26) (alderperson): Asked the CEO's position on the announced Acero charter school closures and whether they violate a board resolution. ([2:16:08](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=8168)); Asked why a list of about 100 schools for possible closure was produced when most were in Black neighborhoods. ([2:17:53](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=8273)); Asked about the plan to address staff vacancies, especially in special education, social work and language services. ([2:22:33](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=8553))
- [William E. Hall](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/6) (alderperson): Asked CPS to detail which personnel cuts would happen and whether closures were planned for 2025-26 if the gap is not funded. ([2:33:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=9222)); Asked about the effects of schools not being fully funded in Black neighborhoods. ([2:36:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=9365)); Described a school visit showing old lockers, no scoreboard and no play space, and asked for the strategy to fully fund campuses. ([2:38:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=9492))
- [Angela Clay](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/46) (alderperson): Asked what fully funded means for a school, noting it differs by community. ([3:02:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=10965)); Requested demographic data on CPS staffing by race and gender. ([3:06:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=11209)); Said some schools in Black communities have no staff who reflect their students and that representation affects learning. ([3:09:56](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=11396))
- [Marty Quinn](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/13) (alderperson): Said he was frustrated board members did not attend and that his principals support the CEO. ([3:19:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=11945)); Raised overcrowding at Hubbard High School, with 1,800 students in a building for 1,100, and $13 million in state money earmarked for it. ([3:19:36](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=11976))
- [Stephanie D. Coleman](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/16) (alderperson): Said she wanted to hear from the board about the Black student success work and asked whether CPS has quantified what Black students said. ([3:22:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=12151)); Asked about recruiting Black teachers, specifically Black men, including from HBCUs. ([3:25:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=12310)); Raised the absence of school resource officers and Black male principals at key schools. ([3:27:49](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=12469))
- [Jeylú B. Gutiérrez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/14) (alderperson): Asked CPS to explain why taking a $300 million loan would be bad for schools and the city. ([3:29:07](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=12547))
- [Andre Vasquez Jr.](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/40) (alderperson): Said board members' absence makes it hard for the public to trust the board will show up for them. ([3:31:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=12676)); Stated his opposition to the $300 million loan, saying it would increase debt over time. ([3:32:30](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=12750)); Asked how the $300 million loan proposal first came up. ([3:33:04](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=12784))
- [Byron Sigcho-López](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/25) (alderperson): Said closing 50 schools in the city's poorest areas was fiscally irresponsible. ([3:47:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=13642)); Raised Acero's plan to close seven schools and the possible closure of Velma Thomas, affecting about 2,000 children. ([3:49:02](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=13742)); Asked what the plan is for the 2,000 affected students and for the Velma Thomas childcare center. ([3:51:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=13887))
- [David H. Moore](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/17) (alderperson): Thanked CPS staff for being accessible to his ward. ([4:03:28](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=14608)); Said he had advocated for a smaller hybrid school board and worries about outside money influencing elections. ([4:05:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=14703)); Said stability is his priority and supported the CEO continuing his tenure despite disagreements. ([4:07:03](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=14823))
- [Daniel La Spata](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/1) (alderperson): Asked why CPS received only about $25 million of $350 million in new state formula funding. ([4:22:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=15749)); Asked what specific revenue solutions CPS supports, citing a sales tax on services as an example. ([4:24:00](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=15840)); Asked why some schools in his ward with stable enrollment saw budget cuts and suggested holding schools harmless. ([4:26:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=16002))
- [Scott Waguespack](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/32) (alderperson): Thanked the CEO and staff and urged them to continue their work. ([4:30:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=16239)); Asked what impact the proposed $300 million loan would have given past high-interest borrowing. ([4:32:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=16331)); Cited rating agency comments and said in his opinion a credit downgrade was likely, asking CPS for its position. ([4:34:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=16482))
- [Jason C. Ervin](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/28) (alderperson): Asked why CPS did not budget for the pension payment this year. ([4:47:25](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=17245)); Asked whether counting on a TIF surplus every year is good budget policy. ([4:48:37](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=17317)); Disputed that the budget is balanced with a $175 million obligation unaccounted for. ([4:51:09](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=17469))
- [Samantha Nugent](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/39) (alderperson): Said she was disappointed both the outgoing and incoming boards did not attend. ([5:13:27](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=18807)); Said the CEO had visited schools with her and her state legislators to discuss the budget. ([5:13:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=18832)); Asked whether the CEO had ever worked with a board that resigned en masse and whether the situation is unprecedented. ([5:15:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=18959))
- [Pat Dowell](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/3) (alderperson): Said TIFs helped fund school improvements in her ward but do not help areas without TIFs, and cited the city bond plan as an equitable model. ([5:17:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=19037)); Said she supports a short-term bridge of funding and a long-term strategy rather than a loan. ([5:19:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=19146)); Asked what interest rate a taxable bond would carry and whether past bonds were for capital or operations. ([5:19:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=19194))
- [Julia M. Ramirez](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/12) (alderperson): Expressed concern about potential closures and consolidations affecting the Southwest Side Latino community. ([5:26:55](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=19615)); Asked how many schools lease buildings from the archdiocese. ([5:27:40](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=19660)); Asked whether the CEO considers the Velma Thomas situation a school closure. ([5:29:31](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=19771))
- [Ruth Cruz](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/30) (alderperson): Said communication should have happened earlier and that taxpayers are concerned about the $300 million loan. ([5:36:22](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=20182)); Asked CPS to clarify how the pension payment would be returned to the city. ([5:37:32](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=20252)); Asked what the alternative plan is if the $484 million TIF request is not granted. ([5:40:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=20417))
- [Emma Mitts](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/37) (alderperson): Asked how CPS is helping Black students learn Spanish at an early age. ([5:46:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=20765)); Raised long-standing requests in her ward for a school pool open to the community, parking at Nash, and an elevator at John Hay. ([5:48:34](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=20914)); Asked what the plan is for Austin schools, citing lack of investment and trade programs. ([5:50:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=21006))
- [Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/ward/48) (alderperson): Said schools draw families to Edgewater and Uptown and that she wants to prevent more school closures. ([6:12:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=22365)); Said stability is needed because losing staff would be harmful. ([6:14:42](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=22482)); Asked whether CPS plans to educate families about the November school board election. ([6:15:39](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=22539))

### Exchanges between members

- [1:16:12](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=4572) The chair recognized Alderperson Nicole T. Lee to give opening remarks.
- [1:17:57](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=4677) Lee echoed Chair Jeanette B. Taylor view that the hearing was long overdue.
- [2:27:54](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=8874) Fuentes said she and Alderperson Anthony Beale do not often agree but agreed on the need for a disentanglement plan.
- [2:33:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=9215) Hall followed up on a question Alderperson Anthony Beale had raised about potential cuts.
- [2:47:06](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=10026) Lee responded to the preceding colleague's remarks, saying the fight for school funding belongs to everyone and prison funding is outside the council's scope.
- [3:19:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=11945) Quinn echoed Alderperson Matthew J. O'Shea frustration that board members did not attend.
- [3:25:10](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=12310) Coleman referenced Vice Chair Angela Clay point that students do better with teachers who look like them.
- [3:44:14](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=13454) Vasquez thanked the chair for how she opened the meeting.
- [3:46:59](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=13619) Sigcho-López said he was glad the committee chair had fought to save a school.
- [3:53:35](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=14015) Sigcho-López referenced Alderperson William E. Hall point about advocacy for state funding.
- [4:16:11](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=15371) Moore said he agreed with Alderperson Anthony Beale about schools with 39 students.
- [4:26:52](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=16012) La Spata referenced Alderperson Marty Quinn earlier comments on school budgets.
- [4:46:05](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=17165) Waguespack thanked the chair for hosting the committee.
- [4:55:16](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=17716) Ervin said he agreed with Alderperson David H. Moore that children on one block attend many different schools.
- [4:57:29](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=17849) Ervin referenced a question Alderperson William E. Hall had asked about central office cuts.
- [5:06:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=18405) Sigcho-López said he seconded Alderperson Jason C. Ervin concerns about the TIF request.
- [5:17:17](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=19037) Dowell responded to Alderperson William E. Hall comments on capital improvements in communities without TIFs.
- [5:51:23](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=21083) Mitts cited Alderperson Jason C. Ervin remarks about needed investment.
- [5:55:19](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=21319) Mitts thanked Chair Jeanette B. Taylor for holding the meeting.
- [6:13:45](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D?t=22425) Manaa-Hoppenworth thanked Alderperson Emma Mitts for her words about schools drawing families to neighborhoods.

## Documents

- [Notice](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/8c56f7f5-c75a-4c99-b10e-6e301024e913.pdf)
- [Agenda](https://www.chicagopolitics.org/files/clerk/meetingattachmentspublic/1317b523-1516-4574-9629-04ac07adda3b.pdf)

---
Source: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/meeting/9A72F55F-1888-EF11-AC21-001DD809A88D · Chicago Politics, an independent, nonpartisan tracker of the Chicago City Council. Guide for agents: https://www.chicagopolitics.org/llms.txt