The Chicago Board of Education would complete five school improvement projects through more than $28 million in Tax Increment Finance (TIF) assistance proposed to City Council today by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

• James Otis Elementary School, at 525 N. Armour St. in West Town, would receive $11.05 million from the Kinzie Industrial Corridor TIF district for a full roof replacement and chimney staff reduction. The entire project would be financed by TIF with completion expected by winter 2023.
• Willa Cather Elementary School, at 2908 W. Washington Blvd. in East Garfield Park, would receive $8.9 million from the Kinzie Industrial Corridor TIF district for a full roof replacement and targeted masonry repairs. The entire project would be financed by TIF with completion expected by fall 2023.
• Spencer Elementary Technology Academy, at 214 N. Lavergne Ave. in Austin, would receive $4.25 million from the Madison/Austin TIF district for a full roof replacement and targeted masonry repairs. CPS would pay for the balance of the $8.5 million project with completion expected by fall 2023.
• Irma Ruiz Elementary School, at 2410 S. Leavitt St. on the Lower West Side, would receive $3.8 million from the Pilsen Industrial Corridor TIF district for replacement of the building’s mechanical systems. The entire project would be financed by TIF with completion expected by fall 2023.
• Eric Solorio Academy High School, at 5400 S. St. Louis Ave. in Gage Park, would receive $329,800 from the 51st/Archer TIF district to improve environmental and mechanical systems within the building. The entire project would be financed by TIF with completion expected by fall 2023.

Chicago’s TIF program allocates property tax growth within designated TIF districts for public improvement projects, affordable housing, economic development and other goals.