Overview

• On August 4, Mayor Brandon Johnson, CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union announced the expansion of the Sustainable Community Schools model from 20 to 36 campuses for the 2025–26 school year.
• District and union officials selected the 16 new sites using a hardship index that weighs poverty, homelessness and other factors to prioritize neighborhoods on the South and West sides.
• Each participating school will receive $500,000 annually under the CTU contract through 2028 to offer on-site health care, mental health counseling, restorative justice and out-of-school-time programs.
• Planning meetings and community outreach are already underway at the newly designated campuses as school leaders and nonprofit partners assess gaps and tailor services ahead of the fall term.
• With a projected budget deficit exceeding $500 million, CPS is appealing to state lawmakers and adjusting its budget to sustain the current expansion and aim for 70 community schools by 2028.