Chicago Public Schools Capital Improvement Program

When the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) decided in 1995 that its public education program needed a massive overhaul to improve the achievement of its over 433,000 students, it began by realigning the entire management and accountability system, updating the curriculum, and giving schools more budgeting authority.  CTE's program management team provides oversight and full accountability, and manages all the planning, programming, architectural, mechanical, electrical, life-safety, plumbing, and environmental assessments for all schools in the system, oversees architectural design and construction, and supports the financing process. They also maintain and update prototype designs for additions and new construction, which allows details to be pre-designed.  Standards and guides are provided to expedite design in an efficient and cost-effective manner. 

CTE managed the over $3 billion Capital Program including over 1,500 projects for new schools, additions, and interior and exterior renovations. Projects included ADA improvements, power, technology, E-Rate, recreational facilities, kitchen and cafeteria replacements and pre-K space in existing schools. A key benefit of program management for CPS is the team's ability to comprehensively evaluate, schedule, and cost-out program needs, and serve as a single source of detailed management and cost accounting information as the projects progress. This approach has significantly increased the efficiency of work being performed, and has already saved CPS millions of dollars. It has also allowed CPS to aggressively address long-term problems, handle changing needs, and plan responsibly within their annual budget.