During a recent Chicago Public Schools (CPS) meeting, parents and educators from Pulaski International School voiced urgent concerns regarding budget cuts and their impact on educational equity, particularly for students in the Regional Gifted Center (RGC) for Spanish-speaking English learners.

One parent highlighted the extensive outreach efforts made to support families during the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a significant increase in applications for the kindergarten program. However, despite this growth, the school is now facing challenges due to budget cuts that have led to overcrowded classrooms. The parent expressed frustration over a promise made by CPS to maintain class sizes, noting that their kindergarten class has swelled to 28 students with a waiting list of five, forcing the school into a combined classroom setup that could compromise educational quality.

Philip Smedley, another speaker, emphasized that the new CPS funding formula, which is intended to promote equity, is inadvertently disadvantaging the very students it aims to support. He pointed out that the RGC program, which serves gifted students from under-resourced areas, is struggling due to funding changes that do not account for the unique needs of these learners. Smedley urged CPS to reconsider its funding model, arguing that it is placing undue pressure on schools like Pulaski, which are already facing challenges in enrollment and resource allocation.

Alma Avila, a mother of three CPS students, shared her personal struggles with transportation issues exacerbated by budget cuts. She called for the restoration of transportation services, which are crucial for families with children who have special needs. Avila's plea highlighted the broader implications of budget reductions, particularly for minority families who are disproportionately affected.

The meeting underscored a growing concern among parents and educators about the sustainability of programs designed to support vulnerable student populations. As the discussions unfolded, it became clear that the community is seeking not only immediate solutions but also a commitment from CPS to uphold its equity policies and ensure that all students have access to quality education.