CHICAGO (WLS) — To close an almost billion-dollar budget deficit, Chicago Public Schools presented a balanced budget that does not include cuts to the classroom or taking out a loan Wednesday. Yet, some school board members have some big concerns.

Union members protested cuts to Chicago Public Schools janitors before the meeting where the school board learned the district’s plan on closing a $734 million budget deficit.

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While cutting crossing guards and custodians was previously announced, the proposed balanced budget avoids beginning and mid-year cuts to the classroom. It also honors labor agreements.

“On top of negotiated wage increases for our teachers, our support staff and administrators, this budget proudly commits to funding new sustainable schools, new dual language programs, new athletic programs,” CPS Chief Budget Officer Mike Sitkowski said.

Sitkowski says his team balanced the budget without a short-term loan, something Mayor Brandon Johnson had supported.

“Borrowing for operating expenses would send the district into a downward spiral of credit downgrades, higher interest rates and deeper cuts to staff,” Sitkowski said.

Previous CPS CEO Pedro Martinez was fired because he refused to take out a loan. The proposed budget is balanced partly with cuts to the central office, repurposing grant dollars, bond refunding, using reserve funds and increased revenue. CPS is also willing to pay for a highly controversial $175 million municipal pension payment, only if the district gets more Tax Increment Financing money from the city.

“We are going to thumb our noses as the city, and say, ‘we’ll give you the money if we can.’ This foolhardy to me,” appointed school board member Michilla Blaise said.

“One had to give credit to the superintendent at least to this point of a profile in courage, by doing the right thing and not paying money that the district doesn’t have,” Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson said.

Some of the mayor’s appointed school board members say CPS should pay it without strings attached. The pension fund includes city workers. CPS’ obligation is only about 33%. Others say the city should pay.

“We shouldn’t be bargaining, saying alderman shouldn’t give to our schools. The state and the city should be happy to fund joyous rigorous education,” elected school board member Che Smith said.

“I don’t understand why we are being presented this. To me, it’s going to fail,” mayoral-appointed school board member Emma Lozano said.

Some CPS parents are raising concerns over possible cuts across the district that include crossing guards.

“Safe passage is in jeopardy. Teachers aid is in jeopardy, lunchroom, librarians, janitorial,” said Elliot Jackson, who lives on the West Side. “If you cut anything, we are going to bear the burden. She shouldn’t bear the burden. She should not bear the burden.”

They’re calling for state leaders to intervene.

“We should be on the top of the list as far as education, but we keep getting pushed down lower and lower because of the divestment that’s happening in our communities,” said Dr. Angelique Orr, executive director of West Side Rising. “We were calling on you, governor. We are calling you, public officials. Stand up for your people because your people stand up for you.”

School and union leaders have been meeting to strategize on how to get more education money from Springfield, but it won’t come in time to close this year’s huge gap.

Brooms in hand, the custodial union also protested outside CPS headquarters.

They say, days before the start of the school year, the district cut more than 1,200 jobs.

Many longtime custodians, who have served CPS students for decades, handed out sanitizers, highlighting the threats to cleanliness and school safety.

“I have dedicated 25 years to this district,” CPS custodian Rebeca Salazar said. “I’ve built up seniority, and now I’m forced to start all over. It’s not easy. It’s not easy to start from scratch.”

“As a former public school teacher, I don’t want any cuts in the classroom. But all our options have to be available to the board,” Mayor Johnson said.

Next Tuesday, CPS plans to hold two public hearings on the budget. The school board will vote on the proposal on Aug. 28. It is unclear if there are enough votes to pass.

CPS has released a statement saying, “Chicago Public Schools (CPS) remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting classroom instruction and putting students first, even as the District confronts a $734 million budget deficit heading into Fiscal Year 2026.

“No cut to public education is ever made lightly. Every dollar we save centrally helps protect students, teachers, and classrooms from deeper disruption.

“The District is bringing all custodial operations under CPS to create a more efficient, reliable and unified workforce. Starting September 30, CPS will directly manage all custodial services.”