Committee on Education and Child Development meeting, May 26, 2026
- When: Tue, May 26, 2026, 10:30 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: 201A, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Education and Child Development
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928507?video=1194181121
- Transcript: full text (25,338 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, with no votes on legislation, on Chicago Public Schools' quarterly update and charter and contract schools, after approving its Rule 45 report. Four members of the public spoke, including two CPS lunchroom cooks asking the Board of Education for a fair contract with better wages and staffing. CPS leaders presented academic data showing K-2 students outperforming peer districts, college and career outcomes, a $732.5 million FY27 deficit estimate that assumes $100 million in TIF surplus and no pension reimbursement to the city, facility needs exceeding $16 billion, vacant school sales, responses to federal immigration activity, the charter renewal framework, transitions of Aspira, ChiArts, Epic and Acero campuses, and state legislative priorities. Members asked about the budget assumptions and the need to brief the Budget Committee, building accessibility and gymnasiums, truancy, lunchroom worker pay, screen time, detanglement from the city, crossing guard removals, charter oversight and closures, transportation, and the Black Student Success plan. CPS staff agreed to provide numerous follow-up items through the chair.
Topics: CPS budget deficit, TIF surplus and pension payment, school facilities and accessibility, charter and contract schools, lunchroom worker wages, student safety and immigration enforcement, crossing guards, Black Student Success plan, truancy, vacant school buildings
Agenda items discussed
- 43:54 Approval of Rule 45 report: passed
- 44:10 Subject matter hearing on the CPS quarterly update and charter and contract schools: discussed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Jeanette B. Taylor (chair): Asked why the presentation skipped the Black Student Success update. (1:13:37); Asked how many charter and contract schools exist, which are closing, how wind-downs and transitions work, and the cost difference of district management. (1:46:49); Asked what happens if CPS does not receive TIF surplus. (2:52:37)
- Stephanie D. Coleman (alderperson): Asked how many Acero schools are closing rather than being transitioned to district management. (1:50:26); Suggested a large vacant school at 69th and Green as a district headquarters. (2:59:22); Asked why Youth Connection Charter School campuses are in the Options Network rather than the Office of Innovation and Incubation and asked for a meeting on their resources. (2:59:57)
- Nicole T. Lee (alderperson): Asked whether existing charter agreements address school closings and said the Acero situation raises concerns about charter management. (1:59:33); Requested enrollment decline data and asked whether CPS would commit that TIF surplus above a set amount goes toward the pension payment, noting $175 million of last year's surplus returned to the city. (2:36:53); Asked what the net additional cost to CPS is from transitioning failing charter schools. (2:41:08)
- Angela Clay (alderperson): Asked what metrics CPS uses for capital improvements, citing McCutcheon Elementary's ten-year wait for a gym and accessibility problems. (2:16:13); Asked about truancy levels and steps to bring back students who have been out of school for long periods. (2:19:20); Asked how CPS is funding lunchroom workers and said she and Chair Jeanette B. Taylor want their pay raised. (2:24:57)
- Marty Quinn (alderperson): Asked what detanglement from the city looks like with an elected school board and suggested planning it over three years. (2:30:42); Asked how CPS can help recoup debts its employees owe the City of Chicago. (2:33:00); Criticized the removal of crossing guards without notice to his office, citing 62nd and Austin, and asked that it be fixed. (2:34:17)
- Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson): Drew on her experience as a former CPS worker to support fair pay for lunchroom staff. (2:46:24); Requested data on students leaving CPS over time, including in the 14th Ward, and asked about traffic safety efforts around schools. (2:47:46)
- Peter Chico (alderperson): Agreed with Alderperson Marty Quinn that aldermen should be consulted on crossing guard removals. (2:50:50); Thanked CPS for the Saturday Morning Quantum program and asked for an update on student transportation for next school year. (2:51:14)
- William E. Hall (alderperson): Said he stands with lunchroom workers and hopes for a resolution that preserves their dignity and praised the CEO's handling of challenges. (3:04:40); Asked how Jane Addams school, which serves many students with physical disabilities, could get an accessible gymnasium. (3:05:23)
Exchanges between members
- 1:50:24 Chair Jeanette B. Taylor asked Alderperson Stephanie D. Coleman whether she had a question.
- 2:01:38 Alderperson William E. Hall thanked Chair Jeanette B. Taylor after being acknowledged for quorum.
- 2:15:56 Vice Chair Angela Clay thanked Chair Jeanette B. Taylor before asking questions.
- 2:30:40 Alderperson Marty Quinn thanked the chair before his questions.
- 2:36:29 Alderperson Nicole T. Lee thanked the chair before her questions.
- 2:46:24 Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez thanked the chair before speaking.
- 2:50:50 Alderperson Peter Chico agreed with Alderperson Marty Quinn about the need to involve aldermen in crossing guard changes.
- 2:59:22 Alderperson Stephanie D. Coleman responded to Chair Jeanette B. Taylor point about vacant buildings by suggesting a school site for a headquarters.
- 3:04:14 Alderperson William E. Hall echoed Alderperson Stephanie D. Coleman remarks about CPS staff.
- 3:05:23 Alderperson William E. Hall said his gymnasium concern was similar to Alderperson Angela Clay.