Forging fair and sustainable contracts
The local share of the CPS budget is funded largely through property taxes. Residents of the 4th District can expect a dramatic increase in property taxes if the CPS leadership does not seek to maximize operational efficiencies and take advantage of returns to scale.
We confront a structural budget deficit estimated at $505 million. On average, CPS schools buildings are more than 80 years old. Nearly a quarter of CPS’ $10 billion annual budget is programmed to finance pensions and debt.
Tough choices will need to be made.
CPS teacher pay compares favorably to our peer school districts in New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia – and I will fight to make certain teacher pay meets the pace of inflation. I strongly believe that our teachers should be at the table as we, collaboratively, plan for the years ahead. But those who sit at the table have a responsibility to our kids to craft a sustainable contract without yet another work stoppage.