CPS Restores Disability Funding for Catholic School Students

Archdiocese and district had traded blame over service cuts, now resolved

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:07pm

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Chicago Public Schools has reversed course and restored instructional support funding to more than 800 students with disabilities enrolled in Catholic schools across the city. The reversal comes after the Archdiocese of Chicago accused CPS of ending these services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) just two months before the end of the school year, with both sides initially trading blame over the issue.

Why it matters

This resolution ensures that vulnerable students with special needs in Catholic schools will continue receiving the critical support services they require to succeed academically. The dispute highlighted ongoing challenges around equitable funding and resource allocation between public and private school systems.

The details

CPS had announced it would be ending IDEA services for Catholic school students, a move the archdiocese said would impact over 800 students with disabilities. After the archdiocese publicly accused CPS of the cuts, the district has now reversed course and restored the funding, allowing the support services to continue through the end of the school year.

  • CPS announced it would end IDEA services for Catholic school students in February 2026.
  • The Archdiocese of Chicago publicly accused CPS of the cuts in late March 2026.
  • CPS has now restored the disability support funding as of April 16, 2026.

The players

Chicago Public Schools (CPS)

The public school district serving the city of Chicago, responsible for managing and funding special education services, including for students enrolled in private and parochial schools.

Archdiocese of Chicago

The Catholic diocese overseeing the network of Catholic schools in the Chicago area, which had accused CPS of cutting critical disability support services for their students.

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What they’re saying

“We are pleased that CPS has restored the instructional support funding for our students with disabilities. This will ensure they can continue receiving the services they need to succeed.”

— Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

The takeaway

This resolution demonstrates the importance of collaboration and compromise between public and private school systems to ensure equitable access to education and support services for all students, regardless of the school they attend.