Chicago Public Schools Layoffs
Chicago Public Schools is laying off more than 1,400 school employees ahead of the upcoming academic year, including 432 teachers and 677 special education classroom assistants.
Background on the Layoffs
The district announced the cuts Friday, describing them as part of its regular budget and staffing process. Each summer, CPS adjusts school-level positions based on enrollment and funding.
Previous Layoffs
Friday’s layoffs follow another round of cuts announced July 1, when the district laid off 161 employees. That group included 87 workers represented by SEIU Local 73 — nearly all of them crossing guards — along with 67 employees in the district’s central and network offices, and seven represented by the Chicago Teachers Union.
Impact of Budget Shortfall
What’s unclear this year is how the district’s projected $734 million budget shortfall will affect the usual rehiring process. In past years, more than 80% of laid-off staff were able to find new roles within CPS before the school year started.
Uncertainty Ahead
The district did not say whether that track record will hold under the current financial strain. When The Chicago Defender interviewed Interim CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King, she acknowledged the uncertainty ahead. “Everything is on the table,” King said. “Unfortunately, there may be additional layoffs. We’re trying to protect the classrooms, first and foremost.”
About The Chicago Defender
The Chicago Defender
The Chicago Defender is a multimedia news and information provider that offers marketing solutions, strategic partnerships, and custom events for the African American market. Our platform equips us to leverage audience influence to reach, connect, and impact the Black Community with culturally relevant content not often serviced by mainstream media.
Founded in 1905, The Chicago Defender will celebrate its 120th Anniversary on May 5, 2025. Nielson and Essence Survey 2014 recognized it nationally as the second most widely read and best African American Newspaper. In July 2019, the Chicago Defender transitioned from a printed newspaper into a digitally focused, high-traffic content platform dedicated to online editorials, premiere events, sponsored advertising, custom publishing, and archival merchandising. We distribute relevant and engaging news and information via multiple platforms daily.
Conclusion
The layoffs by Chicago Public Schools are a significant concern, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the rehiring process due to the budget shortfall. The impact on the education system and the community will be closely watched as the district navigates these challenges.
FAQs
- Q: How many employees is Chicago Public Schools laying off?
- A: More than 1,400 school employees, including 432 teachers and 677 special education classroom assistants.
- Q: What is the reason for the layoffs?
- A: The layoffs are part of the district’s regular budget and staffing process, adjusting school-level positions based on enrollment and funding.
- Q: How will the budget shortfall affect the rehiring process?
- A: It’s uncertain how the $734 million budget shortfall will affect the usual rehiring process, which in the past has seen more than 80% of laid-off staff find new roles within CPS.
- Q: Are there concerns about additional layoffs?
- A: Yes, Interim CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King acknowledged that everything is on the table and there may be additional layoffs, with the priority being to protect the classrooms.
