Chicago school district make $41 million midyear budget cut

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Public Schools have slashed millions of dollars from school budgets, forcing principals to refigure their plans with the second semester just underway.

The principals received news of the $85 million cut on Tuesday as the school district faces a $1.1 billion budget deficit, no income from the state of Illinois and no contract with the Chicago Teachers Union.

In a written statement, schools CEO Forest Claypool the steps taken were necessary because the district's cash position "becomes tighter every day."

District officials say to reduce the impact of the cuts, $41 million in federal funds will be redirected to schools with high poverty levels.

District officials have directed principals to do everything possible to prevent teacher layoff.

School officials say along with other spending cuts the district will save $335 million annually.