Chicago Archdiocese Accuses CPS of Cutting Disability Funding

Catholic schools say over 800 students with special needs will lose critical services.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:53pm

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An abstract, impressionistic scene of blurred, colorful lights and shapes, conveying the emotional impact of disrupting educational services for students with special needs.The sudden loss of critical special education funding threatens to disrupt the learning environment for vulnerable students in Catholic schools.Chicago Today

The Chicago Archdiocese is accusing Chicago Public Schools (CPS) of abruptly ending federal funding for special education services at Catholic schools, affecting over 800 students with disabilities who will lose access to tutoring, therapy, and other support programs.

Why it matters

The archdiocese claims CPS is singling out Catholic schools and not impacting other non-public schools, raising concerns about potential religious discrimination and the disruption of critical educational services for vulnerable students.

The details

According to the archdiocese, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding that provided the special education support at Catholic schools will be terminated on Friday, with no prior notice or explanation from CPS. Church leaders say they have reached out to the new CPS CEO but have not received a response.

  • The funding cuts will take effect this Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • The archdiocese says they have been in contact with the new CPS CEO since Monday.

The players

Chicago Archdiocese

The administrative body of the Catholic Church in the Chicago metropolitan area, overseeing Catholic schools and parishes.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

The public school district serving the city of Chicago, the third-largest school district in the United States.

Cardinal Blase Cupich

The Archbishop of Chicago and leader of the Chicago Archdiocese.

Dr. Macquline King

The newly appointed CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

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What they’re saying

“We cannot allow this shocking and unjust action by CPS to stand, not only given its affront to Catholics, but even more so since that injustice disenfranchises the students we serve.”

— Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

What’s next

The archdiocese says it is continuing to communicate with the new CPS CEO in hopes of reversing the funding cuts before they take effect on Friday.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the complex relationship between public school districts and private religious schools, as well as the ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable access to special education resources for all students, regardless of their school of attendance.