Chicago Schools Spent $7.7 Million on Controversial Travel Expenses

CHICAGO, Illinois — A report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has revealed what it calls “questionable, excessive” spending on travel by Chicago Public Schools (CPS) employees. The total travel expenditures surged to $7.7 million last year, more than double the amount spent five years ago before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inspector General Phillip Wagenknecht highlighted that CPS staffers often exceeded spending limits and filed for reimbursements without proper approval. Notable spending included a professional development conference in Las Vegas attended by over 600 employees from 2022 to 2024, costing more than $1.5 million. Concerns were raised as nearly 90% of the attendees booked hotel rooms that surpassed CPS’s spending guidelines.

The OIG report also noted that about 40% of the conference attendees traveled without prior approval. Despite these irregularities, city inspectors concluded that most CPS employees were not attempting to exploit the system.

Wagenknecht expressed concerns about a particular incident involving an expensive trip to Egypt, which cost CPS $20,000. He stated, “Trips were normally approved simply based on the paperwork provided without asking fundamental questions: Is this cost necessary?” He emphasized the need for CPS to evaluate if these trips justify their costs.

This report comes at a difficult time for CPS, which is managing a $734 million deficit. In response to the findings, CPS announced plans to restrict nearly all employee travel starting October 29 and will establish a Travel Review Committee in November 2025. Officials stated that a new Enterprise Resource Planning financial system is in the works to enhance travel controls and transparency.

Mayor Brandon Johnson‘s office has declined to comment on the report. CPS officials assert that changes are necessary to improve accountability regarding travel expenses.