FY27 Capital Plan Community Meetings Tuesday, April 21⋅5:30 – 7:00pm

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) held a community meeting on April 21, 2026, to discuss the FY27 capital plan and gather public input on capital budget priorities. CPS leaders presented an overview of the district's extensive capital facility needs, including deferred maintenance estimated at $3.7 billion and long-term needs exceeding $6.6 billion. The meeting detailed the FY26 capital budget of approximately $500 million and outlined key capital budget categories such as roof and envelope repairs, mechanical/electrical/plumbing upgrades, restroom renovations, modular refurbishment, playground and athletic facility improvements, parking lot replacements, and IT/security infrastructure. Emphasis was placed on prioritizing projects based on facility condition assessments, equity indices, and district priorities due to limited funding. The district also highlighted sustainability initiatives, including solar projects and stormwater management in site improvements. Community feedback through surveys and meetings directly influenced the addition of categories like restroom upgrades and modular refurbishment. Attendees were encouraged to participate in the ongoing survey open through April 30, 2026, to help guide the FY27 capital plan, which is expected to be presented to the board for approval in summer 2026. The meeting included a Q&A session addressing concerns about project timelines, modular building lifespans, and funding partnerships with city agencies for site improvements.