Delivering the Foundation for Student Success
From the classroom to the kitchen, and the bus stop to the broadband connection, CPS Operations ensures every student has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Every student deserves a safe, healthy, and inspiring place to learn. Across every neighborhood, we deliver essential services that reflect the District’s commitment to equity, learning, and care.
Our Spirit
Be Diligent
We achieve excellence through initiative and accountability
Be Humble
We are authentic, vulnerable, and lead with relational leadership
Be Better
We aim for continuous improvement through self-reflection and learning
Be Positive
We embrace joy, feedback, and diverse working styles
Operations At A Glance
Our District
- 4th largest school district in the U.S.
- $9.9B FY25 budget
Our Schools
- 600+ Campuses
- 85 years is the average age of our school buildings
Students
- 325K+ Students
- Over 80% face challenges related to low-income, multilingual learning, or special education needs
Our Teams
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Facilities, Infrastructure and Capital Planning
- Protect over 800 sites, many over 85 years old, with proactive maintenance and care
- Transform learning spaces through a strategic multi-million dollar Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Oversees a multi-million dollar Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) focused on facility improvements and energy efficiency upgrades
- Promote energy efficiency and sustainability, supporting Strategic Plan goals for healthy, green, 21st-century learning environments
Departments
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Financial and Procurement/ Supply Chain Management
- Partner with 4,500 vendors ensuring transparency, risk oversight, and value in every contract
- Manages $840M+ in actionable spend to deliver essential goods and services. Processes are compliant with State Law, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to bid on contracts.
- Champion diverse and local businesses to meet or exceed aspirational goals of 30% MBE and 7% WBE
Departments
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Information and Technology Services
- Sustain a 1:1 student-to-device ratio across 500K student devices to support digital learning
- Expand internet access through Chicago Connected (at-home Wi-Fi support for students) reaching students citywide
- Empower 40K educators with tools and training that elevate instruction
Departments
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Nutrition Services
- Serves 277,00 meals daily and 75M annually to ensure students are ready to learn
- Ensure universal access to free breakfast and lunch for every CPS student
- Promote healthy habits through farm-to-school initiatives and nutrition education
Departments
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Safety & Security
- Ensures emergency preparedness through school safety drills
- Supports the Whole School Safety Framework, centering physical safety, emotional wellbeing, and relational trust
- Partner with families, school staff, and community members to create welcoming, trauma-informed environments
Departments
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Transportation
- Transports vulnerable students daily across 540 schools over 230 square miles
- Supports special education and students in temporary living situations
- Ensure safe, reliable service that gets students to school and back with care
Departments