Why does CPS claim that the pension relief provided by the General Assembly is a victory?
We do not see this as a victory, but as a short-term, temporary solution for this fiscal year and the next two. Even during this temporary relief, CPS continues to contribute significant payments to the plan. Please note that Chicago Public Schools is the only school district in the state that is required to make contributions to the pension plan. These contributions come from the same operating fund that CPS uses to pay teachers, benefits and other operating expenses. In other districts, the state makes that contribution.
