As Chicago schools go, so goes the city. Let’s hope there’s a fix for CPS finances

Starting in 2025, CPS will be governed by an elected school board, not one appointed by the Office of the Mayor. No oversight, no money, says local writer John Vukmirovich. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

I recently read a story by Sun-Times reporters Nader Issa and Fran Spielman on how the city, under Mayor Lori Lightfoot, is shifting educational expenses the city once covered back to the Chicago Public Schools.

The reason? Starting in 2025, CPS will be governed by an elected school board, not one appointed by the office of the mayor. No oversight, no money. So the financially strapped CPS could soon face a budget deficit of $600 million, with future “school closings and mass layoffs” possible.