If Chicago Public Schools passes off the pension payment to Chicago, the impact on the city’s finances would be dire. We would end this year with a deficit.

The amendment says CPS will pay for teacher raises still being negotiated and a controversial pension payment, but is vague on how: through a loan or other means. A vote is planned for March 20.

While approval of the pension payment only needs a simple majority to pass, a corresponding budget amendment would be necessary, and that needs two-thirds of votes — 14 out of 20.

San Diego’s pension board unanimously approved Friday a record-high $533.2 million annual pension payment for the city due July 1. The half-billion-dollar payment, which comes with the city ...