Chicago Education Flashpoint: Interim CPS CEO Pushes Back Against Mayor Johnson's Borrowing Demands as $734M Budget Storm Looms

Amid tension and fiscal alarm, Macquline King battles to shield classrooms and communities from higher-risk loans and pension mandates

Natalie C. Frank, Ph.D August 13, 2025

ResearchLeap [CC BY 4.0]

CHICAGO, IL — As the first day of school approaches, a showdown has already started between Chicago’s interim school CEO, Macquline King, and Mayor Brandon Johnson over how to close Chicago Public Schools alarming $734 million budget gap. With the school year scheduled to start on August 18, and the education system’s short and long-term financial future at stake, King is standing her ground against renewed calls from the Mayor to borrow millions and shoulder pension costs historically taken care of by City Hall.

Over the past week, several city officials met with CPS board members to pitch all encompassing remedies against the mounting deficit. Their proposals included a $200 million loan, new state funding, and assuming a $175 million pension payment on behalf of thousands of non-teacher staff, a cost normally covered by the city. Those with access to the meetings confirmed that King initially rejected all major items being suggested.

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