Introduction to the CPS Budget Crunch
Safe Passage workers who supervise Chicago Public Schools students as they walk to and from school will see their hours cut this year amid a budget crunch. Ronan Shableski, interim chief of safety and security at CPS, told Board of Education members at a meeting Wednesday that the program’s budget is being reduced, but the schedule changes will help ensure coverage to all 191 schools with Safe Passage routes. Workers will be on the streets for 30 fewer minutes in the mornings and afternoons — an hour less every day.
The Role of Safe Passage Workers
Safe Passage workers are meant to offer a sense of security to students traveling to and from school. They often break up fights or heed off outside dangers in an attempt to de-escalate troubling situations. The reduction in hours and funding are sure to upset more workers and community organizations, but they’ve already braced for the possibility of deeper cuts as the district tackles its deficit.
Budget Cuts and Their Impact
Safe Passage’s budget has been scaled back nearly $6 million in the past year as CPS has faced a more than half-billion dollar deficit. The district budgeted $22 million for Safe Passage last school year but amended that down to $18 million. This year the program will cost $16.3 million. “I’m a strong supporter of Safe Passage,” said elected board member Yesenia Lopez, whose district includes Brighton Park and Archer Heights. “It’s a program that I can see — at least in the 7th district — the impact it has. I am concerned that the quality and efficiency in how effective it might be, given some of these cuts [in] the number of hours,” she said.
Reactions from Workers and Community
Levella Wallace, who has been a Safe Passage worker for 12 years at various schools, called the reduction in hours unfair for students and their families. “They’re not gonna have that support out there that they should, that they normally have,” Wallace said, adding that she worries less supervision after school will lead to more conflicts. The reduction in hours and funding are sure to upset more workers and community organizations, but they’ve already braced for the possibility of deeper cuts as the district tackles its deficit.
The Broader Budget Context
Last month, the district cut crossing guards for intersections that exclusively serve private school students as well as many locations that serve public school students. They said they chose locations in part where Safe Passage workers could help cross public school students. The budget was the main topic of discussion at Wednesday’s board meeting. CPS leaders presented a budget proposal wiping away the deficit through a combination of mechanisms. Those included cuts to operations and central office, refinancing debt, using reserve funds, counting a philanthropic donation in the budget and expecting $379 million from the city from a TIF surplus.
Conclusion
The decision to cut Safe Passage workers’ hours is a direct result of the significant budget crunch faced by Chicago Public Schools. While the reduction in hours may help ensure coverage to all schools with Safe Passage routes, it raises concerns about the quality and efficiency of the program. The impact of these cuts on students, families, and the community will be closely watched as the district navigates its financial challenges.
FAQs
Q: Why are Safe Passage workers’ hours being cut?
A: The hours are being cut due to a budget crunch, with the program’s budget being reduced by nearly $6 million in the past year.
Q: How will the reduction in hours affect the program’s coverage?
A: Despite the reduction in hours, the schedule changes are intended to help ensure coverage to all 191 schools with Safe Passage routes.
Q: What is the reaction from workers and community organizations to the cuts?
A: Workers and community organizations are concerned about the impact of the cuts on students and families, with some expressing worries about less supervision leading to more conflicts.
Q: What is the broader budget context for these cuts?
A: The cuts are part of a larger effort by CPS to address its deficit, which includes cuts to operations and central office, refinancing debt, and expecting funds from the city.
Q: When will the school board vote on the budget plan?
A: The school board is expected to vote on the budget plan on August 28.
