Chicago Schools Spend $14.5 Million on Travel Amid Poor Student Performance

A recent report from the Chicago Public Schools Office of Inspector General revealed that the district allocated a staggering $14.5 million on what it termed “excessive” travel expenses during the 2023-2024 fiscal years. This spending occurred despite alarming declines in student performance, particularly in critical subjects like reading and math. The report described the financial practices surrounding these travel costs as “questionable,” criticizing a “broken” process that may have facilitated misuse of funds.

According to the findings, much of the travel expenses were funded by federal pandemic relief money. The funds were primarily directed toward out-of-town employee development seminars and overnight student excursions. Many of these trips did not obtain the necessary pre-approval and frequently surpassed established spending limits. Notably, eight schools reportedly used over $142,000 for 15 staff trips to countries including Finland, Estonia, Egypt, and South Africa, ostensibly for school visits and professional development.

Concerns deepened when it was revealed that one principal made multiple trips to Las Vegas for a conference without the required authorization. During one of these trips, he incurred a hotel cost exceeding $400 per night, a significant burden on the school budget.

The report comes as data highlights a troubling trend in student academic performance. Only 30.5 percent of students in grades three to eight demonstrated proficiency in reading in the spring of 2024, while merely 18.3 percent achieved proficiency in math. Pastor Corey Brooks expressed his dismay at these statistics, stating, “It is a sad commentary on just how far our city has fallen and how bad the leadership is,” referring to the disconnect between lavish spending and educational outcomes.

Brooks emphasized the stark contrast within local neighborhoods, noting a dismal 6 percent reading proficiency rate in some areas. He criticized the educational leadership for prioritizing personal expenditures over the needs of students, remarking, “These individuals believe that spending money on themselves benefits our educational system more so than spending it on the children who so rightfully deserve it.”

The issue of educational standards in Chicago has drawn attention as local leaders continue to face scrutiny for their handling of public funds. Brandon Johnson, the mayor, previously faced criticism for praising Dyett High School as a model of sustainability, despite only 2 percent of its students reading at grade level. Critics argue that such fiscal mismanagement and perceived corruption must be addressed to reverse the trend of declining educational quality.

In response to these troubling revelations, Congress has initiated efforts to compel the Chicago Teachers Union to provide five years of financial audits to clarify how resources are being utilized. While this step has been welcomed, numerous observers assert that deeper systemic issues necessitate urgent attention beyond mere audits.

Amid rising concerns about crime and educational decline, some advocates suggest that parents may need to explore alternatives to the public school system, such as private and charter institutions. They contend that grassroots efforts to promote school choice could lead to significant improvements.

The Illinois legislature had previously implemented a voucher program between 2017 and 2023, allowing taxpayers to redirect funds to private schools and technical academies. However, this program was allowed to expire at the beginning of 2024, a decision that was celebrated by the Chicago Teachers Union, despite ongoing concerns about the quality of education provided by public schools.

As Chicago grapples with these multifaceted challenges, the need for new leadership with a clear vision for restoring the education system becomes increasingly pressing. Without significant changes, the cycle of mismanagement and ineffective spending is likely to continue, further jeopardizing the educational future of countless students. The stakes are high, and the community’s children deserve better.