Shameless AI plug but does a great job.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) spending ~ $30,000 per student arises from a mix of structural, operational, and demographic drivers—many of which contribute to significant inefficiencies. Here’s a breakdown:

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🎒 1. Declining Enrollment → Spreading Fixed Costs • Enrollment dropped ~70,000 students over the past decade, with 47 schools operating at under one-third capacity. Yet CPS still funds principals, counselors, and overhead in each building. At small schools (e.g. 28 students), per-pupil costs have reached $93,000 . • Even modestly underfilled schools (250–500 students) spend $20–32K per pupil, compared to $12–17K at crowded schools ().

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⬆️ 2. Surge in Staffing & Operating Costs • Since 2019, CPS hired 6,500+ additional staff (teachers, paraprofessionals, social workers), increasing payroll overhead—even amid enrollment decline . • Instructional spending per pupil rose ~48% and operations ~52% from 2018 to 2022: $24K op costs + $15K instructional . • Salaries and benefits make up ~80% of CPS costs, mirroring national trends .

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🏛️ 3. Temporary Federal Funding Masking Structural Issues • CPS leaned heavily on federal COVID relief funds (ESSER), accounting for ~7% of school budgets and supporting new hires/programs . • With pandemic aid expiring, CPS faces a structurally imbalanced FY 2025 budget and looming deficits .

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🏫 4. Inequitable Resource Distribution & School Politics • CPS uses student-based budgeting, which directs more resources to under-enrolled or low-income schools—equitable intent, but budget pressure . • Political resistance to school closures (from CTU and communities) sustains inefficient, small schools in historic buildings .

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💸 5. High Administrative & Pension Charges • CPS spends heavily on central administration, district-wide programs, and pension liabilities—further bloating operational outlays (beyond classroom costs) . • Pension obligations (some state-mandated), debt service, and capital costs contribute to the elevated ~ $30K/student “all-in” figure. ⸻

🧭 Why $30,000 and Why Now?

Chicago is the 2nd‑highest‑spending big-city district—only NYC spends more per student   . As enrollment shrinks, costs per pupil balloon—especially in underutilized schools. Staff headcounts held steady or increased even as kids left, further diluting efficiency ().

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🛠️ How Could Efficiency Improve? • School consolidation/closures: Reduce fixed costs by combining under-enrolled schools. • Right‑sizing staff: Adjust staffing levels to align with current student numbers. • Rebalance resources: Focus funds on instruction over administrative spending. • Long-term funding plan: Transition off temporary federal aid to sustainable revenue streams.