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“Plan for the worst”

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Illinois

Chicago Public Schools told some principals Tuesday to expect total school budget cuts of between 20 percent and 30 percent as the district plans for “the worst.”

The broke district, which has been begging Springfield all year for financial help, plans to chop its own per-pupil contribution by nearly 40 percent, according to proposed budgets given to 15 elementary and high schools. […]

The district says principals have to “plan for the worst — higher class sizes, loss of enrichment activities, and layoffs of teachers and support staff” while waiting for the General Assembly to take action on proposed pension help or revising the state’s funding formula, spokeswoman Emily Bittner said.

On average, schools will feel a budget cut of 26 percent once they receive their state and federal funding, she said. The base per-pupil rate will drop from $4,088 to $2,495 if the proposed budget becomes final. It includes an equivalent cut for charters, too, she said.

* NBC 5…

“Given the size and complexity of an average school budget cut of 26 percent, CPS has involved principals in the school budget process earlier than ever, and has begun working with example schools to understand how cuts will affect students,” the district said in a statement. “We are also exploring mitigation strategies to lessen classroom impacts. Even as we continue to seek equal funding in Springfield, we must continue to plan for the worst – higher class sizes, loss of enrichment activities, and layoffs of teachers and support staff.” […]

“When we are told by our principal that one out of every five teachers may lose their job, that breaks my heart because we have the most amazing teachers at that school,”said CPS parent Lynn Ankney. “Seeing the waste going on in the district– it’s maddening and it’s got to stop.”

* Tribune…

This year’s per-pupil spending reductions were partly mitigated by $41 million in federal funds pulled from programs and reserve accounts the district never specified.

CPS has said in financial disclosure documents that each 5 percent cut to the district’s student-based school budget rates would save about $100 million.

The district projects it will end its current budget year with about $24 million in cash. That amounts to less than two days’ worth of operating expenses.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 9:34 am

Comments

One false move and the kiddies get it……..
We’re back to the “new sheriff” scene from Blazing Saddles.

Comment by TinyDancer(FKA Sue) Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 9:49 am
Yep, no money. This or CPS default on a pension payment.

Comment by Tone Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 10:01 am
Personally, I think CPS should default.

Comment by Tone Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 10:01 am
$2,495 vs $30,000 per pupil. The Haves are sure showing the Have Nots who’s boss.

Looking forward to CPS having such a lovely balance sheet. You know, in education, that’s what matters–pretty balance sheets.

This whole ILGOP thing of needing to look attractive to prospective new Chicago and Illinois residents, so we can GROW our economy, sure gets confusing. /s

Comment by cdog Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 10:01 am
Interesting (and sad at the same time) that CPS can make these cuts at this time or even later. I think last summer they made some major reductions in July. Every other district has to do it in March/April.

It does give CPS greater flexibility, even if it is to address a fiscal disaster.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 10:07 am
===This or CPS default on a pension payment.===

Why not default on a bond payment rather than a pension payment? Have not bond buyers factored into the interest they demand the possibility that CPS will default?

Comment by Hit or Miss Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 10:55 am
===This or CPS default on a pension payment.===

How about Fed buys munis, bondholders’ principal returned minus predatory interest rates, state pays bills.

Comment by TinyDancer(FKA Sue) Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 11:35 am
Like the social service agencies, this is going to have lasting repercussions on the City and it’s children for years/decades. Class sizes of 35-40. Cut art, language, other “extras”. Drive away good teachers and teaching candidates to the suburbs or other states. You can’t get blood from a stone with these schools and teacher salaries.

Tone, try being less tone deaf and more fiscally responsible.

Comment by TD Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 11:38 am
At 35-40 kids per class, you aren’t teaching, you’re herding cats. Ask Madigan about how smoothly that works.

Comment by TD Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 11:49 am
How come my kid’s school costs $6200 a year per student and out-performs CPS schools.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 1:14 pm
Buh-bye middle class.

Comment by jerry 101 Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 1:39 pm
Let’s be clear this is bad and the cuts will be bad. But they will be somewhat less than what CPS presented to the schools discussed in the articles and on NBC. This is because the Mayor once it becomes clear that the General Assembly is not going to pass SB 231, or provide an immediate bail out plan will likely release millions in TIF funds to CPS. While that will not offset the cuts it probably will reduce them somewhat. CPS also still have a line of credit and can if it choses to borrow more to lessen the cuts. That is insane, but could happen believe it or not.

Over all CPS is in its death agony and it will go on for a while. The tragic part will be once larger class sizes become the new norm and the media begins to put up upbeat stories that even with all the cuts CPS improves it tests scores a little bit.

I am so glad all my children have graduated from CPS and I am not experiencing these cuts anymore as a CPS parent. That is a very stressful thing, as is being a CPS teacher waiting for the axe to fall on you.

Comment by Rod Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 2:04 pm
CPS could also eliminate inter-school sports. Just have a PE clas and intramurals. No other choice.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 2:12 pm
The thing is despite everything, CPS still has amazing teachers. My wife is one and I see some of her colleagues as well who are bright, dedicated, and driven–everything you want in a teacher. The teacher shortage hit this year in Indiana and some of the suburbs. It’s going to be more widespread as less young people go into teaching with the improving economy and worsening work conditions. I expect that the top CPS teachers will continue to be snapped up by suburban districts, but I think that’s going to spread to above average and even average CPS teachers. It’s going to be a ghost town at CPS very soon.

Comment by Carhartt Representative Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 2:21 pm
Great–just got the second kid in to a CPS high school magnet program, both kids there next year, but will there be anything there?

Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 2:26 pm
I fully expect another large decrease in the student count.Maybe they can close another hundred schools?

And default on the bond payments. It’s all the same. There isn’t enough money.

Comment by Tone Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 8:11 pm
Anonymous, ask Karen Lewis why CPS is so expensive.

Comment by Tone Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 8:14 pm
There is no teacher shortage. CPS has no problem filling open positions. In a minute.

Comment by Tone Wednesday, May 18, 16 @ 8:16 pm
No teacher shortage? Thank you for stating that so succinctly. My wife’s school has had two positions open since November and been unable to fill them. All the schools of education and even alternative programs like TFA are way down in enrollment and it’s just starting to be felt, but it’s here.

Comment by Cathartt Representative Thursday, May 19, 16 @ 5:15 am