Yesterday, Chicago Public Schools laid off approximately 250 employees after the school system saw a 3.5% decrease in student enrollment this year. With 13,800 less students to educate, CPS made the decision to cut 140 teachers and 109 support staff members. Teachers who have been laid off are being considered for other open positions within CPS. Of the laid off employees, 187 are Chicago Teachers Union member. The district is still in contract talks with the union, who may strike as early as next week. Since August, 1,500 union members have been laid off from CPS. The union and school district are set to meet 3 days this week in hopes of agreeing on a contract and preventing a strike.
See "CPS announces more layoffs because of declining enrollment", Juan Perez Jr., Chicago Tribune, October 4, 2016