CPS recommends starting school after Democratic National Convention

Chicago Public Schools is proposing to adjust its 2024-25 academic year calendar to accommodate the city’s logistical and public safety needs during the Democratic National Convention in August, the district announced Thursday.

CPS proposed that classes start on Monday, August 26 (one week later than usual), after the congress ends on August 19-22.

Chicago will host the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on the West Side, and more than 75,000 visitors are expected to come to Chicago throughout the week.

Police and public safety officials expect to be busy as the convention draws national attention to the city as it continues to grapple with gun violence, protests over the Israel-Hamas war and the ongoing immigration crisis.

Last week, Chicago schools faced three students who were shot and killed in a shooting after leaving school that day.

On Friday, two teenagers were fatally shot in an “ambush” attack after leaving their high school in the Loop. Less than a week later, three Senn High School students, ages 15 to 16, were walking just east of the school when gunmen in a vehicle got out and opened fire on the teenagers, killing one of them. Police do not believe the two incidents are related.

The change would extend fall semester one week after winter break to January and spring classes one week to June 2025.

The proposal would only affect the 2024-25 academic year, with the 2025-26 year reverting to a similar calendar format as the 2023-24 year, according to an emailed statement from the school district.

Parents are encouraged to submit their feedback on the proposed changes to CPS before February 7.

Activists urge Chicago to reverse permit denial for march before Democratic National Convention