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CPS Travel Spending Sparks Outrage Amidst Low Literacy Rates

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 6:24 GMT by Fox News
      Locale: Illinois, UNITED STATES

Chicago, IL - January 31st, 2026 - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is facing intense scrutiny following revelations of significant spending on travel expenses during the 2022-2023 school year, a period coinciding with alarmingly low literacy rates among its students. A recent report by the Chicago Tribune details over $3.7 million spent on travel, sparking outrage from parents, lawmakers, and education advocates.

The $3.7 million figure breaks down to nearly $330,000 allocated to airfare, $190,000 to hotels, and $66,000 to car rentals. While CPS officials maintain that travel is essential for professional development and networking, critics argue that the funds could be far better utilized addressing the district's critical literacy shortcomings. The timing of these expenditures is particularly sensitive, given that data from the Illinois State Board of Education indicates that only 32% of CPS students are currently reading at grade level - a statistic that paints a bleak picture of the district's educational performance.

Illinois State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer has been particularly vocal in his condemnation of the spending. "While our children are falling behind, our bureaucrats are jetting off to conferences and fancy dinners," Davidsmeyer stated to Fox News Digital. "This is unacceptable. We need to prioritize the needs of our students, and that means directing resources to the classroom, not to extravagant travel." He has vowed to push for greater transparency and accountability in CPS's budgetary practices.

The revelations have triggered a wider debate about the allocation of resources within the district. Many are questioning whether the benefits of these trips - often conferences and workshops - outweigh the considerable cost, especially when contrasted with the persistent need for improved literacy programs, updated textbooks, and smaller class sizes. Some suggest that virtual alternatives to in-person conferences could achieve similar professional development goals at a fraction of the expense.

Experts in educational funding point out that this isn't simply a Chicago problem. Many large urban school districts face similar challenges: aging infrastructure, teacher shortages, and the need to address learning loss exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the CPS travel spending adds another layer of frustration for those already struggling with limited resources. "It's not necessarily about the amount spent, but how it's spent," explains Dr. Amelia Hernandez, an education policy analyst at the University of Illinois. "If professional development isn't directly tied to demonstrably improving student outcomes, it's difficult to justify the cost, especially in a district facing such pressing challenges."

CPS has yet to provide a detailed accounting of the specific purpose of each trip, raising further concerns about transparency. Critics are demanding a line-by-line breakdown of the expenses, as well as evidence that the travel directly contributed to improved student performance. The district's silence on the matter has only fueled the controversy.

The situation also highlights the broader issue of equitable funding for public education. While CPS receives significant state and federal funding, the allocation of those resources is often a source of contention. Some argue that the district needs to fundamentally re-evaluate its priorities and invest more heavily in early literacy initiatives and targeted interventions for struggling students.

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The CPS travel spending scandal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing public education and the importance of responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. As the debate intensifies, the focus remains on ensuring that every student in Chicago has access to the resources they need to succeed.