Mayor Brandon Johnson Criticizes Proposed Cuts to Chicago Public Schools Amid Budget Deficit
Mayor Brandon Johnson has expressed strong opposition to the proposed budget cuts for Chicago Public Schools (CPS), which aim to address a significant budget deficit by reducing teaching staff. Johnson argues that these cuts disproportionately affect Black student enrollment, which has been declining. The proposed budget, put forward by CPS CEO Macquline King, suggests increasing class sizes by raising the student-to-teacher ratio, potentially leading to the elimination of up to six staff positions per high school and four per elementary school. Johnson, who appointed King, has not indicated plans to intervene directly but has called for increased funding from the state of Illinois. The budget shortfall is projected to be $732.5 million, and without additional state funding, CPS may need to implement these cuts. 
