Chicago schools cites drop in enrollment for new layoffs

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Public Schools has announced it will lay off about 250 teachers and staff members due to a steeper-than-expected decline in enrollment.

CPS says total enrollment on the 10th day of the school year was 378,481 students, down 14,000 students from last year.

The layoffs announced Monday are in addition to the more than 500 teachers and 500 support staff that were let go in August due to declining enrollment.

The Chicago Teachers Union has threatened to strike Oct. 11 if negotiators fail to reach a contract agreement. CTU spokeswoman Stephanie Gadlin said in a statement the cuts are the latest round of attacks on children and are pushing educators closer to a strike.

CPS officials say affected teachers and support staff could apply for vacant jobs in the district.