Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Hosts Capital Plan Community Meetings

CHICAGO — Chicago Public Schools (CPS) invites school communities to shape capital investments through a series of virtual and onsite meetings. These gatherings enable the District to guide its investments in maintaining school buildings while addressing various community needs. The District prioritizes critical capital needs, including repairs to roofs, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and plumbing, as well as renovations that support programmatic enhancements such as Pre-K initiatives and Fine & Performing Arts. The District encourages participation from the larger school communities, both in person and virtually, to foster meaningful dialogue.

“The community meetings ensure students, teachers, staff, and community members have a say in how their schools can improve structurally,” said CPS Interim Superintendent/CEO Dr. Macquline King. “This input ensures that schools are creating welcoming and comfortable school environments that allow students to focus on learning.”

Managing 522 campuses and 793 buildings with an average age of 86 years, the District’s Department of Facilities conducts regular assessments to address facility needs. CPS staff closely monitor the condition of all buildings, utilizing facility condition assessments and supplementary data to identify critical maintenance needs, repairs, and updates.

Additionally, the District will gather input from community members through a Capital Survey, which will run until April 30, 2026. This feedback is essential for improving school facilities and creating optimal learning environments for students, ahead of the FY27 Capital Plan.

During the 2024-25 school year, CPS became the first K-12 school district in the nation to earn Gold Certification from the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges (HGSC) program, achieving a significant milestone in sustainable facility management. This designation acknowledges the District for meeting rigorous national standards that promote healthier indoor environments, environmental responsibility, and cost-effective operations.

“The Capital Survey plays a crucial role in capital planning. They provide us with the opportunity to listen to the families that our investments aim to serve,” said CPS Chief Operating Officer, Charles Mayfield. “By engaging with our communities, we can develop plans that are not only financially sound but also backed by our school communities.”

Since FY2017, CPS has invested more than $3 billion in capital improvements across the District. These projects include major renovations to keep schools warm and dry, construction to alleviate overcrowding, and the installation of security cameras for enhanced safety. Furthermore, CPS continues to focus on ADA upgrades to ensure all campuses are accessible.

“Relying on community input ensures our capital investments aren’t just District-wide improvements,” said Chief Facilities Officer Ivan Hansen. “But ensures meaningful changes that meet the specific, day-to-day needs of every school we serve.”

Community Meeting schedule:
- April 14: 3:00 p.m.– 4:30 p.m. (English/Spanish, Virtual)
- April 16: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (English/Spanish, Virtual)
- April 21: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (English/Spanish, Colman Office; 4655 S. Dearborn St.)
- April 21: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (English/Spanish, Colman Office; 4655 S. Dearborn St.)
- April 28: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Spanish Only, Virtual)

Interested community members can register here.

For more information regarding CPS capital investments, visit https://www.cps.edu/about/finance/budget/budget-2026/capital-2026/.