Last Thursday, CPAA joined CTU, IFT, SEIU and Chicago Public Schools in a significant show of unity before Illinois lawmakers, advocating for accelerated implementation of the state's evidence-based funding formula.

It was a powerful moment, bringing together organizations that represent different parts of our public education system around a shared concern: Illinois schools are being asked to meet growing student needs without the resources the state itself has determined are necessary.

CPAA President Kia Banks brought the perspective of principals and assistant principals to that conversation, reminding legislators that school leaders are responsible for making difficult decisions every day when resources fall short. Her testimony came just two days after Chicago's historic election of its first fully elected 21-member Board of Education. As our city enters a new chapter in school governance, the question of adequate funding remains central to what our schools can accomplish.

President Banks spoke about the impossible decisions school leaders are expected to make when staffing shortages, student needs and legal obligations collide with insufficient resources. She reminded lawmakers that principals and assistant principals are ultimately responsible for making decisions about school funding work inside our buildings, whether the resources are there or not. And she challenged them on their accountability, "What's the plan to close the gap? Not just this year… not just next budget."

We know what accountability looks like. We live it every day. CPAA is working to make sure that accountability extends to the people making decisions about the resources available to our schools. This is an important part of your union's work. We advocate for our members at the bargaining table, within CPS, before the Board of Education and in Springfield, where decisions are made that directly affect our ability to lead. 

We encourage you to stay engaged as these funding conversations continue.