Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is laying off 1,458 employees, including more than 400 teachers, due to budget delays and financial challenges.
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The district shared Friday that this year’s layoffs are slightly higher than last year’s numbers. Among those affected are 432 Chicago Teachers Union members, including 132 special education teachers. CPS is also cutting 311 support staff like teacher assistants and tech coordinators, along with 677 special education classroom assistants, 33 security officers, and five parent workers.
Officials said most laid-off employees usually find other jobs within CPS before the school year starts, and hiring fairs will be held to help them. The cuts come as Chicago faces a $734 million budget gap. CPS CEO Macqueline King said the district is considering all options, including a short-term loan, to help close the funding hole.
