CPS board: budget approval, safety, smoothies and Health Science High

June 6, 2026 - 22:28

The Chicago Board of Education approved a new budget for the upcoming fiscal year during a lengthy meeting that also addressed school safety and the creation of a new specialty high school. The approved spending plan includes a projected shortfall, which officials plan to cover by pulling approximately 11.7 million dollars from the district's reserve funds. Board members stressed that the use of reserves was a temporary measure to maintain current programs and staffing levels while the district works to secure additional state funding.

Safety remained a central topic of discussion. The board reviewed updated protocols for emergency drills and security personnel deployment. Several community members spoke during public comment, urging the district to invest more in mental health resources rather than increasing the presence of police officers in schools. In response, board members said they would form a working group to study alternative safety models.

In a lighter moment, the board voted to approve the establishment of Health Science High School, a new selective enrollment school focused on medical and health careers. The school will open next fall and aims to prepare students for college programs in nursing, biotechnology, and public health. The board also approved a contract for a local vendor to supply smoothies to school cafeterias as part of a pilot program to offer healthier breakfast options. The pilot will launch in ten high schools across the city.