Crisis in Chicago: Over 1,400 school workers laid off, including hundreds of teachers
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is facing a serious financial crisis that has led to the layoff of as many as 1,458 employees, including over 400 teachers and hundreds of teaching assistants. This dramatic decision was made as part of a budget restructuring for the next school year, all due to a deficit exceeding $730 million.
In an official statement, the CPS stated that the changes are necessary to allocate resources more efficiently, but that they understand how difficult decisions like this can be for employees. „We are committed to providing support to all affected workers during this process,“ the statement reads.
This year, layoffs were delayed due to delays in passing the budget, and the number of laid-off workers increased by 3.2% compared to the previous year, when 1,110 workers lost their jobs.
Among those dismissed are:
- 432 teachers, including 132 special educators who are members of the Chicago Teachers Union
- 311 auxiliary workers and technical coordinators
- 677 special education assistants, members of SEIU Local 73
- 33 security guards and 5 parent coordinators, also from SEIU Local 73
CPS states that the number of employees may change in accordance with student needs.
To mitigate the consequences of layoffs, a job fair is planned, as data shows that previously 80% of laid-off workers managed to find new employment within the system.
