CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools are facing a $480 million budget gap and expect a $1.1 billion deficit next year. Friday, CPS CEO Forrest Claypool announced cutting 433 positions in the Central Office and administration, which would save the district $45.1 million annually.
“Since starting at CPS, it’s been my priority to streamline the administration, and we’ve made steady progress all along the way," Claypool said. “There’s no doubt that these cuts are painful. However, with limited resources and a budget crisis not just this year but into the foreseeable future, we had no choice."
As of Aug. 1, the District had 1,821 positions that are classified as administrative in Central Office and citywide units. At the end of Friday’s action, the District will have reduced its administrative position count by 433 - 227 employees will receive layoff notices; 57 of those employees are on teams that are being downsized.Those 57 employees will be laid off and can reapply for 35 positions. This is a net of 192 positions. 180 vacant positions will be closed.
In addition, CPS eliminated a net of 61 administrative positions between Aug. 1 and Jan. 15.
Thus far, teachers have been spared cuts.
“Amid these challenges, we are negotiating with the CTU leadership on a multi-year agreement that would prevent midyear classroom teacher layoffs and give teachers a raise over the life of the contract," Claypool said. "Both parties agree that these good faith negotiations are ongoing and productive."
But CPS is looking for major changes in Springfield, saying Chicago schools aren't getting their fair share of the state's education funding.
“We are also pressing Springfield to wake up to the injustice that Chicago’s students face a separate but unequal education funding system," the CPS statement said. "Chicago students get only 15 percent of the state’s funding despite making up 20 percent of the state’s enrollment – a difference of nearly $500 million. This inequity must end."
In addition to Friday's layoffs, CPS reports efforts to lower costs by phasing out the pension pickup for Central Office employees ($2.9 million in FY16 and $11.1 million annually), reducing vacation time (a value of $250,000) and requiring non-union employees to pay more for their health care ($1.6 million in FY16 and $3.1 annually).
This week, Governor Rauner suggested the state takeover the system and move towards bankruptcy, forcing CPS to reorganize. The proposal was met with resounding disapproval.
