It’s officially back-to-school for thousands of Chicago Public Schools students, teachers, and families.
This year more than 315,000 students will return to CPS classrooms.
The new school year begins with an uphill battle for the district as it faces a $732 million dollar deficit. Just weeks ago, the school board voted to pass an amended budget, one that counts on state money coming from Springfield, which hasn’t been secured yet.
As is tradition, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the district’s CEO will welcome students back throughout the morning at different schools. Johnson and Dr. Macqueline King will be at George Leland Elementary in Austin to ring the bell at 7:30.a.m.
“We have to have collaboration in order for our young people and our parents and our educators to be successful. As a former public school teacher and a parent, I know those first few days are critical to a child’s development,” Johnson said.
Violence Interrupters, Inc. will have trained anti-violence specialists present at key walking routes for students Monday in the city’s Austin neighborhood.
