Chicago Board of Education votes on CPS 5-year strategic plan

The Chicago Board of Education is set to vote on a five-year strategic plan aimed at addressing educational inequality across Chicago Public Schools (CPS). CEO Pedro Martinez expressed optimism about the plan, which will be discussed in a meeting scheduled for Wednesday. The strategic plan proposes significant changes, including the elimination of school rankings and a shift towards a holistic approach to measuring student success, focusing on overall well-being and learning outcomes. Instead of establishing new schools to combat existing failures, the plan emphasizes investing in current schools to enhance their performance. Key goals include reducing absenteeism, improving language skills, and increasing the number of students earning college credit. This initiative comes at a time when the board is implementing internal budget cuts to manage financial resources effectively. Martinez highlighted the importance of federal grants and donations, noting that the influx of resources during the pandemic has been beneficial. However, he cautioned that this year will mark the end of these additional resources, raising concerns about the sustainability of the plan moving forward. The board's financial strategy will be crucial in maintaining the proposed improvements in CPS. The Chicago Teachers Union has voiced criticism of the strategic plan, arguing that some elements mirror their contract proposals, which are currently under negotiation. This tension between the union and the board underscores the challenges ahead as the district seeks to implement its strategic vision while navigating labor relations.