Overview

• Vélez, a DEI consultant with a doctorate in education policy, will be sworn in Thursday to represent District 9A before the budget vote.
• The board faces an Aug. 29 legal deadline, and finance experts warn a failed vote could damage state standing and jeopardize payroll.
• CPS’ proposal seeks to avoid classroom cuts while eliminating non-classroom positions, including crossing guards, custodians, cafeteria workers and central-office staff.
• The plan counts on $379 million from tax-increment financing surpluses, while Johnson-aligned members push to ensure a $175 million municipal pension payment, potentially via short-term borrowing.
• Gov. J.B. Pritzker has ruled out additional state aid, and interim CEO Macquline King has not publicly commented on the budget.