As the sun rose over Chicago on August 24, 2026, eleven-year-old Carter Darling was already dressed and ready for his first day of sixth grade at Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary School. His excitement was palpable, a stark contrast to the uncertainties looming over the Chicago Public Schools district.
The nation’s fourth-largest school district is navigating a critical transition period. With mayoral control set to end in January, a fully elected school board will soon take the reins of a $10 billion budget and the futures of more than 600 public schools. Meanwhile, families like Carter’s are grappling with immediate concerns about resources and stability.
Budget Uncertainties Cast Shadows on School Year
Before the first bell rang at George Leland Elementary School in the Austin neighborhood, Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the need for increased state funding. ‘We’re going into a season where we have to demand more from those who have the ability to give more to actually do more,’ Johnson stated. His call for a state millionaires tax underscores the financial pressures facing the district.
The current school board recently approved a budget that assumes an additional $150 million in state funding, money that hasn’t been formally allocated. This gamble could help reverse summer layoffs, but schools might face midyear cuts if the funds don’t materialize. For parents like Jaciel Cathey, this uncertainty creates anxiety about what her son’s educational experience will entail.
A Family’s Journey Through Chicago’s Educational Landscape
Cathey’s experience with Chicago’s school system is a testament to both its challenges and potential. She grew up in the Woodlawn neighborhood and graduated from CPS schools before becoming a teacher herself. When Carter turned three, she enrolled him in Holy Angels, a Catholic school near their Bronzeville home, appreciating its stability and resources.
However, Cathey felt the school’s focus on arts and discipline came at the expense of core academics. When Carter was ready for kindergarten, they applied to Walt Disney Magnet School, a coveted public magnet school on the North Side. Though they initially liked the school, a racial incident during first grade led them to return to Holy Angels for second grade.
The family’s educational journey took another turn when they moved to Pill Hill and Carter enrolled at Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary School. The state-labeled ‘commendable’ school has provided Carter with a supportive environment where he thrives academically, particularly enjoying science projects. ‘He likes the staff, has made friends, and enjoys learning,’ Cathey noted.
Navigating the System with Hope and Caution
As Carter prepares for potential admissions tests to selective middle school programs, his mother remains focused on securing the best educational opportunities for him. She plans to use her new role on the school’s Local School Council to address funding gaps, including securing a crossing guard for their busy streets.
Despite the district’s challenges, Cathey sees value in CPS’s Black Student Success Plan, aimed at improving outcomes for Black students. However, she remains cautious about the district’s stability, expressing concerns about potential layoffs and budget cuts. ‘We need for him to get the most support that he can get and the most rigorous education that he can get without. Mr. Johnson teaching math on Monday, then Mr. Johnson is laid off because Springfield didn’t send the money,’ she said.
As the new school year begins, families like the Catheys embody the resilience and determination that characterize Chicago’s educational landscape. Their story highlights both the system’s challenges and the hope that drives parents and students to navigate these complexities in pursuit of a brighter future.
