IL HR0361

Chicago Public Schools estimated a budget deficit exceeding $1 billion for fiscal year 2014 and proposed closing, co-locating, and turning around 114 schools to address the shortfall.

The Chicago Board of Education voted on May 22, 2013 to close 50 of 54 schools on the initial proposed closing list, affecting over 30,000 students including 5,277 students with disabilities.

Resolution urges CPS to honor a 5-year moratorium on school actions established by Public Act 97-1133 and to engage transparently with the Illinois General Assembly, stakeholders, students, parents, and community leaders.

Resolution calls on CPS to fully comply with reporting requirements under Public Act 97-238 and Public Act 97-474, including providing information on cost savings, safety programs, and equipment upgrades for "welcoming" schools.

Resolution affirms the state's intent and policy that educational success and well-being of children remain paramount, and reaffirms that individual schools should be the essential unit for educational governance.