Pastor Brooks Criticizes Chicago Leadership's "Obsession" with Race Amid Declining Student Outcomes

Chicago, IL – Pastor Corey Brooks, widely known as the "RoofTopPastor" and founder of Project H.O.O.D., has publicly lambasted Chicago's leadership, asserting that an "obsession" with race is hindering educational progress and "costing our children their future." His strong remarks, shared via a recent tweet, underscore a growing concern over academic performance in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), particularly in reading and mathematics.

"Chicago’s leadership is more focused on race than results—while kids fall behind in reading, math, and hope. This obsession is costing our children their future."

Brooks, a prominent advocate for school choice, has consistently argued that local schools are failing children, and that denying school choice is akin to denying the right to a quality education. His critique comes as recent data from CPS reveals persistent challenges in student proficiency. Preliminary state assessment data for spring 2024 indicates that while elementary students (grades 3-8) showed gains, with 31% proficient in reading (surpassing pre-pandemic levels) and 19% in math (still below 2019 levels), high school performance remains a concern. Only 22.4% of 11th graders were proficient in reading and 18.6% in math, both below pre-pandemic levels. Chronic absenteeism also remains high at 40.8% in 2024.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration, which assumed office in May 2023 with strong backing from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), has emphasized a shift towards "need-based budgeting" and "inclusive and collaborative school and community" approaches. This includes expanding foundation resources for all schools, increasing support for students with disabilities and English learners, and investing in social-emotional learning. The administration has also moved away from student-based budgeting, aiming for more equitable funding across neighborhood, magnet, and selective schools. However, critics like Pastor Brooks suggest these priorities, particularly those perceived as focused on social equity or "race," detract from fundamental academic achievement.

The CTU, a key ally of Mayor Johnson, advocates for "sustainable community schools," a model that integrates additional student services beyond traditional education, such as housing or mental health support. Despite the CTU's claims that this model improves outcomes, data from existing community schools often shows lower proficiency rates and higher absenteeism compared to the district average, frequently at a higher per-student cost. This model is seen by some as prioritizing social services and union influence over core academic results.

The debate over the direction of Chicago's education system continues, with advocates like Pastor Brooks pushing for greater parental choice and a stronger focus on measurable academic outcomes, while the current leadership emphasizes holistic student support and equitable resource distribution. The coming school board elections are expected to further highlight these divergent visions for the future of CPS.