Chicago schools to see big layoffs, larger class sizes, focus on basics

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

The district, which has been asking 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.

For more, check chicago.suntimes.com.