Dear CPS Colleagues, Families, and Supporters,
I’ll begin today with some poignant news. After more than 24 years of service, Bogdana Chkoumbova, our District’s Chief Education Officer, will be departing CPS at the conclusion of this school year.
Bogdana has been an ideal fit for this role. As a former CPS teacher, principal, and Network leader, she came into the position understanding our District from every conceivable angle.
Bogdana has been a tremendous advocate for our principals and Network leaders, and has been instrumental in accelerating much of our most critical work, including a transformative shift in how we evaluate school quality, a funding formula that provides resources to schools based on need rather than enrollment, and our new five-year strategic plan, which charts a course for a rigorous, joyful, and equitable daily learning experience for every student, every day.
Her story is a shining example to all of our District’s students, especially those new to the U.S. She grew up in Bulgaria, and thought about pursuing a career in medicine or law. She eventually chose education, because she felt it was a helping profession that married what was best about both of those fields.
Bogdana emigrated to the United States as a special education teacher, her goal being to help students with disabilities get the most out of their education. She did not initially aspire to school leadership, but her talent for strategic thinking, and her gift for inspiring and empowering others, naturally led her down this path.
From CPS principal, to Network Chief, to Chief Schools Officer, and finally to her current role as Chief Education Officer, Bogdana has always maintained a clear, uncompromising vision that puts students at the center. Throughout her various roles with the District, she has worked tirelessly to create systems that offer multiple pathways for academic achievement, while also ensuring that all children feel a deep sense of belonging at school.
Bogdana’s journey is proof that when you find your passion, and when you are willing to embrace a challenge, there is no limit to what you can achieve. She will be profoundly missed by all, from the principals she has so passionately championed, to the Network and District leaders who have been her partners in advancing positive change. I wish Bogdana well in her next chapter, and know that wherever she goes next in the education space, she will continue to be a driver of positive and impactful change.
Illinois School Districts Unite in Springfield
Earlier this week, nearly 100 CPS students, parents, educators, and District leaders traveled to the state capitol in Springfield to demand more state funding for our schools. CPS was not alone in this effort. In fact, we were part of a statewide coalition that came together around “Funding Illinois’ Future”—a collaborative movement among Illinois school districts to demand state lawmakers follow through on their promise to our students.
CPS has made remarkable progress over the last several years, with one of the strongest post-pandemic academic recoveries among large urban school Districts, and setting new records for graduation rate, early college and career credential attainment, scholarships earned, and more. We need more revenue to keep this progress going.
With rising operational costs, looming deficits, and the potential loss of federal funds, the need for increased support from our state has never been more urgent. I thank everyone who traveled to Springfield this week to advocate for our students, as well as those members of our CPS family who reached out to their elected officials directly to explain what more funding would mean for their schools.
Our hope is that state lawmakers will hear us, and that they will work with us to increase their financial support, especially in the critical areas of special education, nutrition, transportation services, and early childhood education. We know how far our students can go when their schools are fully funded, and we look forward to partnering with our state lawmakers to make that level of funding a reality.
Preparing for Teacher Appreciation Week
We are excited to honor our CPS teachers from May 5–9 during Teacher Appreciation Week! Families can use these resources to let your child’s teacher know how much they are valued, and what a transformative impact they are having on your students’ CPS experience.
Next week, we will use this space to highlight some of our District’s most outstanding educators. But I want every teacher to feel the love of our District during Teacher Appreciation Week! So please take a moment between May 5 and 9 to let our teachers know just how much of a difference they are making in your children’s lives!
Sincerely,
Pedro Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Public Schools
Help Us Highlight Your School
We love highlighting the amazing things that are happening day-to-day in our schools, along with the people who are making them happen! Please share your stories with us using our Good News Form so that we can amplify the many ways “the best are with CPS!”
A Look Around the District
The CPS Office of Language and Cultural Education hosted the 2nd Annual CPS Spanish Oratory Competition. Students from grades 1–12, representing over 90 schools, took the stage, bringing Spanish poetry to life with their expressive voices, powerful gestures, and a deep love for the language and the art form.
At Nicholson Elementary in Englewood, PreK students participated in a daily Technology class. Recently, they used LEGO sets in a class activity to learn about engineering and use their deductive and inductive reasoning skills.
Students at Barton Elementary in Gresham celebrated Earth Day by restoring the school’s Learning Garden. Second-grade students also created robots, known as Recycle Bots, using recycled materials.
Disney Elementary, located in Buena Park, also celebrated Earth Day. Students in kindergarten took part in caring for our planet by picking up trash around the school and playground.
And at Mather High School in West Rogers Park, guests recently enjoyed a student-led play of “Night of the Living Dead.” Students were in charge of all aspects of the production, including directing, lighting, stage crew, sound, and music.
Make Your Voice Heard in the Superintendent/CEO Search
The Chicago Board of Education is conducting a national search for CPS’ next Superintendent/CEO, and there are several ways for District stakeholders to get involved. We want to hear from you about the experience, vision, and overarching qualities you feel are the most important things to look for in our District’s next leader. You can share your insights by completing a survey, participating in a focus group, or attending a community gathering in the coming weeks. There are several community gatherings already scheduled, and more will be coming online soon. You do not have to live within the Elected School Board District boundary to attend a meeting.
- Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Steinmetz College Prep (District 1)
- Friday, May 16, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Hubbard High School (District 8)
- Monday, May 19, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (Districts 9&10)
- Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Hairpin Arts Center (District 3)
- Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: Amundsen High School (District 2)
- Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.: National Teachers Academy (District 6B)
Visit the Chicago Board of Education website regularly for specifics on these opportunities and complete details around the search.
Options for Getting the Measles Vaccine
Cases of measles are currently on the rise around the country, and, as of this week, there have been two identified cases in Cook County. We want to make sure our CPS community is protected from this very contagious disease. The best way to do this is by making sure you and your children are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides lifelong protection against measles.
Most people will have gotten the MMR vaccine during childhood. But for those who have not, there are many opportunities to get the vaccine. CPS offers school-required vaccinations like MMR, and other recommended vaccines at our school-based health clinics, and through our elementary, high school, and charter mobile clinics. Please use these links to schedule an appointment for a vaccine. Vaccines through CPS are free for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or who have health insurance through Medicaid or Medicare. For those with private insurance, please contact the clinic for details on which insurance carriers they accept.
The Chicago Department of Public Health also offers no-cost vaccines for those who are uninsured or under-insured at four immunization clinics in the city. Click here for details on these clinics. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at https://getvaxchi.chicago.gov or by calling the clinic.
Individuals with private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare can also receive vaccines at health care providers or local in-network pharmacies throughout the city. Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccine provider. Anyone unsure about which providers are in-network should call their health insurance company before getting vaccinated to avoid out-of-network charges.
Students Receive Scholarships from Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council
Congratulations to the 21 CPS students who received scholarships and iPads from the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC) as part of its annual awards luncheon. CPS Chief Operating Officer Charles Mayfield served as the event’s keynote speaker. We are so proud of these students for all of their hard work both in and out of the classroom and can’t wait to see what each of them will accomplish next! You can find more information about the event here.
Showcasing Our Amazing Postsecondary Partnerships
This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Philadelphia Public Schools to showcase the incredible work our schools, postsecondary and city partners, and CPS Office of College and Career Success are doing to prepare our students to thrive after high school. These partnerships are critical to the success CPS students are experiencing in programs like Chicago Builds and Chicago Roadmap, which is why we were so happy to share what we have learned with Philadelphia Public Schools!
CPS Student and Teacher Recognized as 2025 American Red Cross Heroes
Earlier this week, two members of the CPS community were honored at the 23rd-Annual American Red Cross Heroes Breakfast. Vince Carter, a retired CPS teacher and coach, received the Education Hero Award for co-founding Project Education Plus (PEP), a year-round initiative that offers academic tutoring, STEM programs, and other opportunities, empowering countless students and families across Chicago. Additionally, Jahkil J., a senior at Curie High School, was awarded the Youth Hero Award for his global impact through his nonprofit, Project I Am, which distributes "Blessing Bags" filled with hygiene products and snacks for the homeless.
Complete the CPS Spring 2025 Survey
CPS often uses surveys to ensure our families and staff have a voice in the District’s decision making. To simplify this process, we have now combined several of those tools into one SY25 Spring Survey. This survey covers several important topics, including capital planning, school culture and climate, and parent engagement. Each section will take five to ten minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey is open through May 17, 2025, and is available in Chinese (simplified), English, Polish, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Application Deadline Extended: Apply through May 12 to Become the District’s Next Honorary Student Board Member
The Chicago Board of Education is looking for a student leader to serve as its Honorary Student Board Member (HSBM) for the 2025–26 school year. Selected annually, the HSBM represents the interests and perspectives of all CPS students by attending the Board’s monthly meetings, which are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month at the CPS Loop Office (42 W. Madison St. in Chicago). The HSBM is also an active participant in the Student Voice Roundtable initiative, which provides a platform for students from across the District to engage with CPS leadership and Board members on topics that are important to Chicago’s youth. The HSBM will also be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be used to support enrollment in a two or four-year college or university.
To be eligible for this opportunity, students must be a rising junior or senior (current 10th or 11th-grader), hold a 3.0 G.P.A. or higher, and demonstrate proven leadership experience.
Applications are being accepted through May 12, 2025. Students can visit cpsboe.org for more information and to apply.
Supporting Families Amidst Federal Policy Changes
With the transition to a new presidential administration, many in our school communities are experiencing anxiety, especially regarding immigration issues. CPS is committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming educational environments that embrace and celebrate everyone in our diverse communities. CPS has strong protections in place for our students and staff; you can read about them here.
We have also created a website with many resources on immigration services, as well as details on “Know Your Rights” trainings and workshops that are being held throughout Chicago. Some of these sessions are being conducted by our District’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Team, while others are being presented by our community partners. Families can find complete details at cps.edu/newadminguidance. This website will be updated frequently to reflect new training opportunities and any changes to federal law, so we encourage everyone to visit regularly. Mental health supports are also available to students through their schools. Parents who feel their children could benefit from these supports should contact their child’s teacher, principal, or school counselor directly.
Explore Student Job Opportunities for the Summer
Online applications are now open for One Summer Chicago—the youth employment program that partners with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and city agencies to provide paid work experience, work-based learning, and skill development opportunities for young people ages 14–24 over six weeks during the summer. Students should visit onesummerchicago.org for more information and to apply.
CPS Scoreboard: This Week in District Athletics
Bell Elementary made history in CPS SCORE! Elementary Cheer this past year, but the story didn’t stop there. Learn more about Bell’s incredible program for students that are deaf / hard of hearing and how they are shining in the cheer program at the Northside School.
Elementary Spring Sports are in full swing, with athletes from 5-8 grade competing in a full slate of spring programming! For schedules, stories, photo galleries and more, make sure to visit CPSAthletics.com or follow the leagues on Instagram.
Chicago Public League High School Sports are heading into playoff season, with the first spring championships taking place this week! Girls and Boys Water Polo and Girls Badminton begin the season as student-athletes take the pool and the court.
Championships across all of our spring sports run through the end of the school year!
CPS SCORE! Is excited to partner with the Chicago Sky and Sky Cares Foundation to host a free clinic for this past season’s 7th and 8th grade final eight teams in girls basketball. The clinic will feature expert instruction and an unforgettable day for our student-athletes!
The CPS Physical Education Department is offering rising juniors and seniors (classes of ‘26 & ‘27) ages 17+ the opportunity to become IHSA-certified Sports Officials as part of their Post Secondary Opportunity Program. Interested? Register here.
REMINDER: New Year… New Platform - Chicago Public Schools Athletics is excited to announce their official launch on Instagram and Facebook, highlighting the incredible accomplishments of our student-athletes and programs across the District! Make sure to follow these accounts and interact with us on these new social platforms in addition to the already existing X account.
Discounted Tickets for CPS Staff and Families
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs invite CPS teachers, administrators, and staff to visit Wrigley Field on Monday, May 5 at 6:40 p.m. for Teacher Appreciation Night! Discount tickets are available from $24 and include a Cubs quarter-zip. Get your tickets here!
Chicago Fire FC
CPS families and staff can wrap up Teacher Appreciation Week with the Chicago Fire on Saturday, May 10. Each ticket purchased through this link includes a special-edition scarf. The 1:30 p.m. match at Soldier Field is also the Fire’s annual Family Day and the first 5,000 fans receive a plush giveaway of their mascot Sparky!
Important Dates
For more upcoming events around the District, visit cps.edu/calendar.
- Wednesday, May 14: Board Agenda Review Committee meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Monday, May 26: CPS offices and schools are closed in observance of Memorial Day.
- Thursday, May 29: Board of Education meeting. Learn more at cpsboe.org.
- Thursday, June 12: Last day of school for CPS students.