Chicago Public Schools officials have proposed a $5.7 billion budget that includes almost 500 teacher layoffs and banks on $480 million in new state funding that might not come.
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The announcement came as CPS released its $5.7 billion 2016 budget, which includes a historic $1.1 billion budget deficit driven by rapidly rising pension payments.
Speaking to reporters, CPS Chief Executive Officer Forrest Claypool pointed to higher test scores and graduation rates in the city’s school system, which serves 400,000 students. “It’s created the financial crisis that the Chicago schools face now”, he said, adding that he was headed to Springfield to discuss with legislative leaders.
It won’t be “back to school” for hundreds of Chicago teachers who are getting layoff notices this week.
Rauner restated his perception that modifications in collective bargaining must be statewide, and never only for Chicago, if there’s an try and alleviate CPS’ money crunch for the approaching faculty yr. CTU President Karen Lewis said it amounted to a pay cut.
According to the Sun-Times, CPS historically has re-hired about 60 percent of the teachers laid-off in its annual budget because of the 1,450-some open teaching positions that must be filled before the start of the new school year.
Also on Monday, CPS announced it will not be changing the bell times at 34 schools, after concerns were raised by parents, students and educators about the schedule changes proposed by the district in an effort to save on transportation costs. The Senate unanimously approved the plan last week and Rauner has said he’s on board. Rauner vetoed most of the plan legislative Democrats sent him. It’s earmarked for social service programs such as utility assistance for low-income residents, mental health treatment and job training.
Lewis also used the idea as a reason to cut off negotiations on a new contract, meaning teachers will likely start the school year without a contract. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who appoints the board, has said that local school councils already fairly represent the community.
Now, 48 schools will see changes.
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The federal funding bill is SB2042.
