Chicago Teachers Union: District choosing 'cuts, overcrowded classrooms' with latest budget

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Ahead of the Chicago Board of Education's Thursday meeting, Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) members rallied against Chicago Public Schools' (CPS) proposed budget.

Dozens of CTU and community members gathered at Jones College Prep to call on the board to reject the proposed budget that counts on hundreds of teacher vacancies to close a $500 million budget gap.

One speaker at the rally accused CPS of choosing “cuts and overcrowded classrooms instead of trying to find creative funding solutions to get us closer to being a transformative school district.”

CTU officials said some positions CPS intends to keep vacant include teacher aides, social workers and counselors.

Kizzy Evans, a former CPS restorative justice coordinator who was laid off, said these cuts harm students, especially those from the South and West Sides.

“If this board cares about the students in Black and brown neighborhoods and their mental and emotional health, we need to see that in the budget,” Evans said.

She and others are advocating for additional funds at the state and federal level.

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok