New financial disclosures raise serious transparency concerns at the Chicago Teachers Union while student outcomes in Chicago Public Schools remain deeply troubling.
Chicago’s teachers work every day to help their students succeed. They deserve leadership that treats their dues, and their trust, with the same level of care and responsibility.
But recent financial disclosures from the Chicago Teachers Union raise serious questions about whether that standard is being met.
Chicago teachers contribute thousands of dollars in union dues over the course of their careers. They deserve to know exactly how that money is being managed.
In January, after pressure from member lawsuits and congressional inquiries, CTU released five years of previously undisclosed audits. The findings raised significant concerns. At least two consolidated financial statements received adverse audit opinions, one of the most serious warnings auditors can issue, citing material and pervasive misstatements. In addition, certain affiliated entities were not included in the consolidated reporting, leaving union members without a complete picture of the organization’s finances.
At the same time, CTU has directed substantial resources toward political activity, spending roughly $6.5 million in recent election cycles, including support for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Political engagement is a choice any organization can make. But when teachers are paying significant dues each year, transparency about how that money is used is essential.
Concerns about oversight extend beyond the union itself. Reports from inspectors general in Chicago Public Schools have identified troubling issues, including fraud tied to falsified enrollment data in the American Indian Education program, which forced the district to repay $1.2 million in federal funds covering the years 2016 through 2023.
Spending patterns have also raised eyebrows. District travel costs increased dramatically, from roughly $300,000 in 2021 to nearly $8 million in 2024, covering extensive travel and accommodations at a time when many families and educators were focused on recovering from pandemic learning loss.
Meanwhile, student outcomes remain deeply concerning. Only about 18 percent of CPS students in grades three through eight are proficient in math, and just 31 percent are proficient in reading.
None of this reflects the dedication of Chicago’s teachers. Every day, educators across the city work tirelessly to help their students succeed, often under extremely challenging circumstances.
But teachers deserve to know that the institutions representing them are operating with transparency and accountability.
Chicago teachers have the right to control how their dues are used. The 2018 Janus v. AFSCME ruling makes union membership and dues entirely voluntary.
If you have concerns about transparency or priorities, you can stop deductions at any time. Resources like MyDuesMyChoice.org make it simple to take action in minutes.
Every dollar you withhold is a statement that you expect accountability and your money should support classrooms not politics or mismanaged funds. Educators who prioritize students over agendas have real power. Use it.