SEIU Local 73

Chicago school board approved a revised $10 billion budget to reverse hundreds of school staff layoffs, assuming an additional $150 million in state funding. The vote, influenced by the Chicago Teachers Union and principals union, created uncertainty about meeting payroll deadlines due to legal and financial risks.

Chicago Public Schools removed five furlough days from its budget proposal in response to community feedback and pushback from unions and board members. The district revised its TIF surplus revenue assumptions by $85 million to avoid unpaid staff days, though unions continue to criticize the revised proposal for insufficient staffing.

The union representing Chicago school support staff (SEIU Illinois State Council) endorsed Jessica Biggs for school board president and over a dozen district representatives, diverging from the Chicago Teachers Union's support for Hilario Dominguez. The split affects 10 school board races, with both unions backing different candidates, though they align on five others. SEIU's endorsement highlights Biggs' experience with school budget impacts and her prior role as a CPS principal.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) laid off 162 employees to address a $730 million budget deficit, saving $18 million. The layoffs include central office and citywide staff, with 38 represented by SEIU Local 73 and 25 by the Chicago Teachers Union. The district prioritized maintaining student-serving functions while cutting central non-essential services.

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) laid off 162 central and citywide employees to address a $730 million budget deficit, saving $18 million. The layoffs target departments like Career and College Success, Information and Technology Services, and others, with 38 employees represented by SEIU Local 73 and 25 by the Chicago Teachers Union.