1,150 Chicago school employees laid off

Chicago Public Schools officials say a reduced number of students expected in the fall has prompted the layoff of teachers and other staff.

Officials say the 1,150 employees, all Chicago Teachers Union members, were notified Thursday of their layoffs. The total is less than half the number laid-off last year after the closing of more than 50 schools.

Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett says the district is projected to have 1,780 teaching vacancies in the fall, 1,420 of which are full-time slots. She said the teachers given pink slips can apply for positions made available by retirements and transfers.

In addition to teachers, clerks, part-time security personnel and classroom assistants were among those affected. Teachers union president Karen Lewis says the layoffs will harm the quality of instruction in the schools