Chicago Public Schools has announced the layoff of about 250 teachers and staff members, citing a steeper-than-expected decline in enrollment. CPS says total enrollment on the 10th day of the school year was 378,481 students, down 14,000 students from last year.
The layoffs are in addition to the more than 500 teachers and 500 support staff laid off in August because of enrollment declines.
The move comes as the Chicago Teachers Union threatens to strike Oct. 11 if negotiators fail to reach a contract agreement. In a statement, Chicago Teachers Union spokeswoman Stephanie Gadlin says the cuts are the latest round of attacks on children and are pushing educators closer to strike.
CPS officials say affected teachers and support staff could apply for vacant jobs in the district.
