When I was sworn in as a member of the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education, I promised to protect every student across the city. Legally and ethically, we owe all students access to a high-quality public education. Yet in recent budget conversations, this very right has been framed as a financial burden.
Last month, CPS hosted several engagement sessions to discuss the fiscal year 2026 budget with community members. These events allowed more than 600 Chicagoans to share feedback on how budget decisions could affect their students and schools.
Unfortunately, these events also highlighted an area in need of improvement for the district in how we discuss our students and their needs.
During one conversation I joined, a group of parents were alarmed that, during an opening presentation from CPS staff, a slide titled “What’s Driving the Deficit?” included a visual that lists “Rising needs of required services for students with disabilities” as one of several factors contributing to the district’s budget challenges.
Their reactions were visible, and it was clear the phrase had struck a nerve with families whose students have special needs. Framing services for children with disabilities as a “deficit driver” has unintentionally suggested that these children are a burden, rather than integral members of our schools.
From a budget and planning perspective, I understand that diverse learner services are, factually, a rising cost for the district. But for these folks, and thousands of others across the city, diverse learners are not a line item in a budget. They are not a cost that can be cut. They are students deserving of a high-quality public education that meets their individual needs.
What if we talked about these services not as “extra” but as part of what CPS offers all children? This small shift could be a powerful step toward destigmatizing students with support needs.
They’re not “other.” They’re just kids — our kids — and they deserve to be reflected in our language and budget. When I took my oath to protect all students, I meant all. Our school staff demonstrate this every day through their actions and dedication to their students. It’s time for us to reflect their hard work with the messaging we use at 42 W. Madison St.
I call on my fellow board members and CPS staff to revisit how we talk about student services to align with the values of equity and inclusion that we hold dear.
Angel Gutierrez, board member, Chicago Public Schools
Lakefront isn’t a living space
I am disappointed that the 48th Ward I’ve lived in for 20 years is descending into disorder. I’ve read and applauded the articles regarding our City Council member’s efforts to relocate unhoused people from behind the Edgewater condominiums and provide them with assistance. However, there are now more than a dozen tents, some surrounded by junk, on the shores of the lakefront at Kathy Osterman Beach. I have spent countless hours walking this area, picking up trash and, when necessary, contacting 311 to keep it the beautiful, wild natural resource it was meant to be. Or as Montgomery Ward argued in 1836, to keep the lakefront “a common to remain forever open, clear and free of any buildings, or other obstruction whatever.”
Why is it difficult to understand that women, children and seniors in particular may feel threatened to enjoy this common resource if unhoused people are allowed to live there permanently? Research shows that the majority of unhoused people suffer from mental illness, substance abuse and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. I voted for the Bring Chicago Home initiative. I believe the city must make it a priority to develop a rational and humane system for treating and assisting unhoused persons. However, by allowing them to claim our common, public resources, you are opening the door to more extreme candidates offering more extreme solutions.
Sharon Marzano, Edgewater
Transit cuts more devastating for people with disabilities
The Rideshare Access Program under the Regional Transportation Authority’s Americans with Disabilities Act Paratransit Action Plan has benefited me tremendously since I started using it in January. It’s also a lifeline for many others who use it to get around. But the RTA recently approved cuts to Pace’s RAP and Taxi Access Program.
Rides being capped at 30 per month and a fare increase from $2 to $3.25 will devastate many people with disabilities who have marginal financial resources and depend on these trips to get to work, doctor’s appointments, grocery stores and other places. .
The RTA made the decision with no input from the disabled community — the people who will be directly impacted. The RTA needs to do the right thing by not raising the fare and not make cuts to the RAP and TAP services.
Curtis Harris, Old Town
Crime is a concern
Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson speak about how safe Chicago is, but actions speak louder than words. If they think that Chicago is so safe, they should forgo their security details and walk, without an entourage, through high-crime neighborhoods at night.
Crime may be down, but it’s still too high. At least more criminals are being prosecuted and taken off the streets, thanks to Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke.
Putting troops on our streets may be illegal, but so is crime.
Larry E. Nazimek, Logan Square
Questionable behavior
I have a question and a comment for any Illinois National Guard member who finds himself or herself patrolling the streets of Chicago.
Question: “Does your mother know you’re doing this?”
Comment: “Shame on you!”
Richard Wetzel, Old Town