Introduction to CPS Layoffs

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.

Background on the Layoffs

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.

Budget Challenges

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.

Upcoming Meetings and Budget Approval

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.

Annual Layoffs and Staffing Adjustments

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.

Impact on Special Education and Other Roles

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.

Conclusion

The layoffs at Chicago Public Schools reflect the challenges the district faces in balancing its budget while meeting the changing needs of its schools and students. Despite the significant number of layoff notices, the district is optimistic that many of these staff members will find new positions within CPS, minimizing the impact on both the employees and the educational services provided.

FAQs

• Q: How many staff members received layoff notices from CPS?
  A: 1,458 teachers and other staff members received layoff notices.
• Q: What is the main reason for these layoffs?
  A: The main reasons are enrollment shifts, school-specific needs, and other programmatic decisions.
• Q: Will these layoffs help CPS close its budget gap?
  A: No, these actions do not contribute to closing the $734 million budget gap.
• Q: What percentage of staff who receive layoff notices are expected to find new positions within the district?
  A: More than 80% are expected to find new positions.
• Q: Who is most affected by the layoffs?
  A: Special education classroom assistants (SECAs) are taking the biggest hit, with 677 receiving layoff notices.