Chicago Public Schools sent layoff notices to 1,458 teachers and other staff Friday due to enrollment shifts, school-specific needs and other programmatic decisions, the school district said.
CPS says most of the laid off staff will likely find positions at other schools within the district.
Overall, CPS says it plans to spend about the same amount on school-level staff as last year, and these actions do not help the school district close its $734 million budget gap.
This is the second round of layoffs this summer. On June 28, the district laid off 161 workers, some of whom worked in CPS’ central office and others who were citywide employees, including 87 crossing guards. That first group was to help close the deficit. So far, CPS says it has found $165 million in savings, but it is still looking for $570 million more.
District leaders say they are trying to find a way to balance the budget without another round of layoffs.
“Everything’s still on the table,” said Chief Budget Officer Mike Sitkowski. “We’re pursuing every avenue that we have for additional funding to make sure that we do our best to keep impacts off of schools and off of things that are supporting our students. But, you know, it’s too early to say where we’re actually going to land.”
District leaders say they are trying to find a way to balance the budget without another round of layoffs. Last Friday, the district laid off 161 workers. “Despite this financial challenge, the goal of the District remains protecting the current funding provided in the posted school budgets,” they said in a press release.
By law, CPS must approve a balanced budget by Aug. 29. CPS interim CEO Macquline King is holding a series of meetings over the next two weeks to explain how CPS got in such a deep hole and to solicit ideas for making ends meet.
Layoffs on the school level happen every year as enrollment at individual schools change.
CPS says the number of layoffs this year is about 3% more than last year. School district officials stress that more than 80% of staff who receive layoff notices will find a new position within the district, as there are always vacancies at other schools, as well as positions added.
Special education classroom assistants or SECAs are taking the biggest hit, with 677 receiving layoff notices. The head of the Office of Student Disabilities, Josh Long, said he was going to be automatically assigning fewer aides this year to classrooms that serve only disabled students, in what are called cluster programs. However, more assistants could be added based on needs.
About 432 teachers are being laid off of the 1458 staffers getting notices Friday, including 123 special education teachers. That is less than 2% of all teachers. In addition, 311 teacher aides, 33 security guards and five parent workers are being laid off.
Sarah Karp covers education for WBEZ. Follow her on X @WBEZeducation and @sskedreporter.
