Statement on Passed Budget for Chicago Public Schools

We have knocked on thousands of doors this summer, and the message we continue to hear from neighbors is clear: families want better-resourced, high-quality public schools, not more cuts.

For too long, working families have been forced to carry the weight of this funding crisis through cuts, closures, or increased property taxes. As a father to two CPS students and a Local School Council member whose school community is constantly asked to find ways to do more with less, I know our students and educators deserve better.

No budget is perfect, but today's vote to avoid cuts to core teaching and special education positions is an important step towards prioritizing the needs of our students, families and educators. It must also be a reminder that CPS needs sustainable, long-term funding so our schools can plan for the future instead of facing another budget crisis.

As a candidate for school board, l am committed to responsible budgeting while continuing to organize alongside families, educators, and community partners to tax the rich and secure the investments our students deserve.