The Chicago Board of Education has unanimously approved a $5.4 billion budget that will include increased property taxes. The vote followed protests by teachers and parents who say the plan calls for too many layoffs and cuts. Other advocacy groups also have expressed concerns.
The Civic Federation says the budget relies on money from the state that may not materialize and a large amount of borrowing.
The assumed windfall in state funds totals $215 million to help cover teacher pensions. The business-backed watchdog group says the school board must account for how it would close a funding gap if deadlocked state lawmakers never approve that money.
Chicago Public School CEO Forrest Claypool says if the state doesn't come through, the district will have to cut money from classrooms.
