Chicago: School budget calls for 2,000 job cuts (and $55 Million Tax Hike)

[UpInArms]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-0606070273jun07,1,947341.story?coll=chi-newslocalchicago-hed

(free registration or try www.bugmenot.com)

CHICAGO -- Chicago Public Schools formally released one of its most dire budgets in a decade Tuesday, a $5.3 billion spending plan that eliminates more than 2,000 jobs and slashes programs for special education and high schools.

<snip>

Nearly all of the lost jobs are based in the schools, including 950 special education aides and teachers. Another 600 teaching posts were cut because of projected enrollment declines. The district also eliminated 70 central office jobs, froze administrative salaries and cut $6 million in consultant costs.

Besides the cuts, the district will close the deficit by raising property taxes by $55 million. It was the 10th time that Mayor Richard Daley authorized the maximum increase in the 12 years since he took control of the school system. The district also will spend $75 million from its cash reserves.

...more at link...

:wow:

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Oy. My son lives in Chicago, as do several close friends.

[sam sarrha]

2. the Dubya has shorted the schools 35 Billion dollars..

[ecassese]

3. Rates of College Attendance

There was an article in The Tribune last month reporting that 6 percent of seniors graduating from public high schools in Chicago attend college. Maybe I can find it . . .

[UpInArms]

4. Welcome to DU, ecassese!

:hi:

6% is a pretty low average for graduates being college-bound, is it not?

[AngryAmish]

5. That is absolutley true

If you are a black or hispanic male the rate is 3%.

The Public schools of Chicago are a crime.

[justice1]

6. Bush's speech today was a slap across the face.

He was speaking in Omaha to students saying he planned on having Michael Chertoff oversee a program that would help immigrants with classes like English and history.

Minutes away, my kids attend a school that is facing many of the same problems as Chicago. Classes have been cut, teachers have been let go, others are leaving because they don't have job security, kids involved in after school activities could easily end up paying hundreds of dollars in participation fees. They are going to a four day week because they can't afford to keep their doors open.

Home owners simply can't afford higher property taxes, on a $150,000 house the average person pays about $3,000.

[ecassese]

7. 4 days a week !?!?!?!

What are parents supposed to do on the 5th day? Thats crazy!

[justice1]

8. I have no idea.

I have one son in school who spends over 9 hours a day, commuting on the bus and in school. It's now going to be longer because they have to make up time for the fifth day.