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All the Budget Back-and-Forth

In an unprecedented move, the Chicago Board of Education rejected the budget proposed by Chicago Public Schools late Thursday, instead approving a revision that cancels 1,000-plus layoffs.

Here’s what that means.

CPS’ proposal: After much lead-up, CPS ultimately put forward a roughly $10 billion budget that would have laid off more than 1,500 employees, including 760 teachers, in order to address budget shortfalls. At the last moment, five furlough days were removed from the plan.

• Important: Latino high schools would have been hit hardest by teacher cuts.

What passed: The Chicago Board of Education approved a revision that avoids layoffs. Instead, this budget relies on an assumed $150 million from the state. That budget passed 11-7, and all those in favor are aligned with the Chicago Teachers Union.

• However: According to CPS, even if Springfield introduced additional funding, it wouldn't come in time — which could lead to legal liabilities for the board.
• Remember: A decision needed to be made last week in order for CPS to make September payroll.

Persistent budget woes: Leading up to Thursday’s decision, CPS has struggled amid ongoing budget shortfalls.

• This year: CPS faced a $700 million-plus budget gap.
• Last summer: CPS also faced a massive budget hole while struggling to choose an interim CEO.
• Recently: The Illinois Federation of Teachers sued Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas in an attempt to receive property tax funds.

A school board shake-up: This November, Chicagoans will vote on the city’s first-ever fully elected school board. But following weeks of objections to nomination papers, five of those 21 seats will be uncontested. One bumped candidate, Tameka Walton, has CTU backing and says she’ll challenge incumbent Che “Rhymefest” Smith as a write-in.

• Across Chicago races: Proving signatures is an uphill battle.
• Hmmm: Should school board members be paid?