CPS proposes delayed start to 2024-2025 school year to accommodate DNC

Chicago Public Schools has released proposals for the 2024-2025 academic year calendar, including a delayed start date due as Chicago hosts the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August.

According to a statement from CPS, the 2024-2025 school year would begin on Aug. 26 due to the "estimated influx of 75,000 visitors" coming to Chicago for the DNC.

The Democratic National Convention will run from Aug. 19-22 at the United Center. CPS has stated that the schedule change "not only accommodates the city’s logistical needs as they relate to the influx of Conventiongoers, but it also allows time for students to attend, volunteer, and participate in the civic process of hosting the Convention."

Under the district's proposal, classes for the 2024-25 school year would run from Aug. 26 until June 12, 2025. The proposed 2024-25 calendar features 176 full student attendance days along with 12 employee professional development days and two parent-teacher conferences.

Students would also get a two-week winter vacation, a one-week spring vacation, and no classes the week of Thanksgiving. Classes would be canceled on local and national election days.

CPS is collecting parent and student feedback on the calendar proposals before an expected vote by the Board of Education later this month. Parents and community members have until next Wednesday to share their input online.

“We’re especially grateful for all those who took time to share their feedback on our calendar development to date, and we hope that our community will take a moment to weigh in on these draft calendars,” said CPS CEO Pedro Martinez in a statement. “We’re excited to help our staff, families, and community plan ahead with the adoption in February of the next two academic school year calendars.”