CPS Board calls on Gov. Pritzker to reject federal program that funds private school tuition

The resolution doesn't mention a specific initiative by name, but it points to renewed efforts by the Trump administration at the federal level which seek to 'expand and incentivize voucher or publicly funded scholarships for private schools.'

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:28pm

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A softly lit, cinematic painting of an empty school hallway or classroom, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and creating deep shadows, conveying a sense of nostalgia and the importance of public education.The Chicago Board of Education's resolution to reject a federal program that could divert public school funding to private institutions reflects the ongoing debate over the role of vouchers in education.Chicago Today

The Chicago Board of Education approved a resolution Wednesday calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to reject a federal program championed by the Trump administration that can help cover private school tuition or offset public school costs. The resolution calls on Pritzker and state lawmakers to reject any programs that would create, expand or 'otherwise reintroduce school voucher programs in Illinois' because they would 'undermine Illinois' commitment to fully funded public schools.'

Why it matters

The resolution highlights the contentious debate around school voucher programs, which have divided local and national lawmakers. Supporters say the programs expand education options and make them more affordable, while critics argue they undermine public schools by diverting taxpayer dollars and allow for discrimination against certain students.

The details

The federal program in question would allow donors to certain scholarship organizations to reduce how much they owe in federal income tax by up to $1,700. Families earning up to 300% of their area's median income – in Chicago that would be about $230,000 or less – are eligible to receive scholarships. The tax credits won't be available until next year. The resolution notes that private schools 'are not held to the same transparency, accountability, civil rights, or governance standards as public schools.'

  • The Chicago Board of Education approved the resolution on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • States have until Jan. 1, 2027 to join the federal program that would allow the tax credits.

The players

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who is currently weighing whether to opt into the new federal program that will allow donors to certain scholarship organizations to reduce how much they owe in federal income tax.

Chicago Board of Education

The governing body of the Chicago Public Schools system that approved a resolution calling on Gov. Pritzker to reject the federal program that could fund private school tuition.

Donald Trump

The former president whose administration championed the federal program that the CPS Board is calling on Gov. Pritzker to reject.

Debby Pope

A member of the Chicago Board of Education who spearheaded the resolution opposing the federal program.

Ellen Rosenfeld

One of three CPS Board members who abstained from the vote, arguing that the matter should instead be handled by state lawmakers.

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What they’re saying

“How can we even consider the idea of not being opposed to a program that is being proposed by this president with his intentions to destroy the Department of Education?”

— Debby Pope, Chicago Board of Education member

“Vouchers do more to support wealthy families and children and undermine public services and schools.”

— Jackson Potter, Chicago Teachers Union Vice President

“State/federal tax credit dollars would go to support schools that teach children that gay people are evil, that 'the KKK was fighting against the decline of morality,' that white supremacy is God's will — and other crazy notions.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

What’s next

Pritzker has until Jan. 1, 2027 to decide whether Illinois will opt into the federal program that would allow the tax credits for private school scholarships.

The takeaway

The CPS Board's resolution highlights the ongoing debate over school voucher programs, which have become a divisive political issue. The board's stance reflects concerns that such programs could undermine public education by diverting funds to private schools that are not held to the same standards of transparency and accountability.