WHAT SCHOOL LEADERS CAN DO TO INSULATE THEMSELVES FROM THE ANNUAL BUDGET MESS
As CPAA Treasurer and McAuliffe Principal Ryan Belville reminded us, “This moment underscores just how critical relationships are. When a budget rolls out that might need to shift, when a policy limits what we can say, or when complex challenges arise, we need relationships that allow us to speak freely and be understood, not punished.” Too often, principals are stuck enforcing policies we didn’t create, taking blame for decisions we didn’t make. “But if we’ve built trust with CPS leadership, with our communities, we’re no longer alone in that work.” Belville added, “These relationships don’t just protect us… they nurture us. Let’s not carry this burden in isolation. Let’s communicate, show up, explain, and be visible. Let’s walk the neighborhoods, attend the meetings, and build the kind of community trust that stands with us when the next inevitable crisis hits.” He also emphasized the role of CPAA in helping school leaders stand strong in moments like this: “We need to rely on each other and lean on our union, not just for contract protections but for the collective strength that reminds us we’re not in this alone. CPAA is here to lift our voices, to push for the systems we deserve, and to be the foundation we need when it feels like everything else is shifting beneath us.” Another year, another scramble… manufactured not by chance, but by a broken process. Yet Chicago’s principals continue to show up, not because the system supports them, but because their schools and communities need them. “No matter who’s in charge downtown, it’s school leaders who carry the
While CPAA fights for structural change, here are a few proactive steps principals and assistant principals can take to protect their time, teams, and communities: 1. Document Everything Keep clear records of budget communications, changes in staffing, and discussions with network leaders and LSCs. Documentation is your best protection if your decisions are later challenged. 2. Lean on CPAA Support Contact CPAA’s Budget Response Team with questions or concerns. We’re reviewing each change and can help you analyze impacts, prepare responses, or advocate directly with CPS when necessary. 3. Communicate Carefully Be transparent with your LSC and staff about what is known and what is still uncertain. You are not expected to defend flawed processes only to operate with integrity within them. 4. Avoid Making Irreversible Decisions Too Quickly Where possible, delay major commitments (e.g., offers to candidates or major program cuts) until funding is confirmed. Budget flexibility is key in times of uncertainty. 5. Lean Into Partnerships Be transparent with your school community. Share the challenges and constraints you face with your LSCs, PTAs, and parent groups. Educate them on the budget process by offering training or information sessions. This builds understanding and ensures you’re not left carrying the blame for factors beyond your control. 6. Join CPAA Budget Advocacy Get involved in our budget campaign and collective bargaining negotiations focus groups. Every active member strengthens our voice and brings us one step closer to changing this broken system.
weight, who make things work, who show up with solutions,” said CPAA President Troy LaRaviere. “We don’t operate on wishes. We operate on what’s real.”
We don’t operate on wishes. We operate on what’s real.
Principals don’t lead alone. We lead in partnership. And it’s time CPS leadership did the same, during budget season and beyond. “We have the principals,” said CPAA President Troy LaRaviere. “We have the people with the knowledge, the experience, and the solutions. All we need now is leadership willing to listen.”
CPAA IS VOICE AND POWER REALIZED • • 25
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