Thursday, November 12 - Black Student Achievement Committee

The inaugural meeting of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Black Student Achievement Committee was held on November 12, 2026. District staff presented the Black Student Success Plan, including goals to increase the number of Black male educators and improve Black teacher retention, reduce disproportionate discipline, improve academic outcomes, and expand culturally responsive teaching and family engagement. Committee members discussed how progress will be measured and reported, whether schools should be expected to include Black student success goals in their improvement plans, how neighborhood schools and community partners will be represented, and what support is needed to implement the plan. Staff described existing data and accountability processes, planned reporting, and efforts to develop a resource guide and expand Black Student Unions.

Funding and budget were discussed, but no contracts, vendor selections, bids, procurement approvals, spending motions, or votes were identified. Staff said philanthropic partners are supporting initiatives including the Black male educator strategy, a school cohort model, and Black Student Union activities; funding is also distributed across district offices and school budgets. A student raised concerns about district budget cuts, and staff clarified that philanthropic funding is not intended to replace district positions or cover potential budget gaps. The committee closed without recorded action items or motions.