Chicago Schools Warn Special Ed Funding Runs Out
Chicago Public Schools says IDEA services for non-public school students are funded only through January 31, 2027.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Special Education
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Chicago Public Schools sent a letter stating that current special education services for students at non-public schools are funded through at least January 31, 2027. The district says funds supporting students with disabilities have not kept pace with growing student needs.
Why it matters
Non-public schools in Chicago are facing a funding shortfall for IDEA services, and enrollment is growing by about 200 to 300 student referrals per month. Last April, more than 800 students with disabilities at Catholic schools had services canceled before emergency funding restored them.
Current IDEA services at non-public schools are funded through January 31, 2027, according to a CPS letter. Monthly enrollment referrals are rising by roughly 200 to 300 students, and the district has not yet confirmed how services will continue past that date.
The players
Chicago Public Schools
The public school district serving Chicago, responsible for administering federally required special education services including those provided to students at non-public schools.
Archdiocese of Chicago
The Roman Catholic archdiocese overseeing Catholic schools in the Chicago area, which informed families that special education services would be more limited this year.
The details
CPS said in a letter on Tuesday morning that IDEA services are financed through a combination of federal, state, and local funds. The Archdiocese of Chicago told families last month that services would be more limited this school year due to funding issues, and CPS is working on a plan to extend services as long as possible.
Timeline
Last April: More than 800 students' Catholic school IDEA services were canceled, later restored with emergency funding.
Last month: The Archdiocese of Chicago warned families that services would be more limited.
November 10, 2026: CPS sent its letter stating services are funded through at least January 31, 2027.
January 31, 2027: Current IDEA services funding ends.
Legal Context
The shortfall tests how IDEA, the federal law guaranteeing special education services, is financed in practice, since its funding flows through federal, state, and local sources. Chicago's situation mirrors the 2025 pattern in which CPS pulled emergency-restored funds from Catholic school students mid-year.
Families of students with disabilities at non-public schools in Chicago may face reduced services if funding is not extended past January 31, 2027. Parents should ask their child's school how IDEA services will be delivered during the coming months.
The takeaway
Services for students with disabilities at non-public schools depend on funding that is not yet secured beyond January 2027. Families should stay in contact with their schools as CPS develops its extension plan.
What happens next
CPS is actively working on a plan to extend services for as long as possible beyond January 31, 2027.
Further reading
Find more context in the Special Education section on Chicago's school funding debates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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