Chicago school board looks at possible preschool expansion, despite opposition from district leadership

The Chicago school board is considering a resolution to study offering full-day preschool to all 3-year-olds and reevaluating services for young children with disabilities. The proposed resolution, drafted by board member Anusha Thotakura, seeks to explore how families access early childhood programs and improve services for those with disabilities.

Thotakura also wants the district to consider sending special education staff to private childcare settings instead of busing children to district schools. However, CPS Superintendent Macquline King strongly opposes the resolution, stating it could impose significant costs and potentially extend services to private and faith-based schools.

The district conducted a limited pilot program for preschool services in 2023, finding limited participation. Thotakura argues that early investments in education can prevent future spending on students who struggle academically. The resolution aligns with a campaign proposal from Hilario Dominguez, a CTU-backed candidate for school board president.

Board members with union support or appointed by the mayor were among those who voiced support for the resolution. Thotakura plans to discuss the resolution in smaller groups before voting on it later in the month.