Chicago Public Schools (CPS) began the 2025-26 academic year on Monday, August 18, with over 325,000 students returning to classrooms after a nine-week summer break. The district is currently facing a $734 million budget deficit, which remains unresolved as the Chicago Board of Education works toward passing a balanced budget by the upcoming deadline. Discussions include a plan to defer a $175 million pension payment. Despite divisions among board members over how to close the gap, Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed confidence that the budget will be approved on time. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker advised the board not to expect financial assistance from Springfield, noting the absence of available state funds. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and district recently agreed on a $1.5 billion contract aimed at improving conditions, including smaller class sizes, more libraries, and increased access to nurses and counselors. The first day of school included heightened security concerns, with a student found carrying a gun at Whitney Young Magnet High School, one of the city's top public schools. Various events took place over the weekend to prepare students for the new school year, which marks a critical period for CPS amid ongoing financial challenges.