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CHICAGO (WLS) — The deadline for a CPS budget is approaching and teachers plan to rally Thursday after a comment by Governor JB Pritzker about funding.
Chicago Teachers Union members are calling out the governor’s comments over how the district is supposed to overcome a $734 million budget gap, with just days remaining to do so.
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Governor JB Pritzker has said the state won’t help the district close the budget gap.
This comes as Mayor Brandon Johnson remains confident the Board of Education can pass a balanced budget without a stalemate.
But the clock is ticking. The CPS proposed budget, supported by interim CPS CEO Macquline King, does not call for teacher cuts nor does it include any borrowing.
READ MORE | Board of Education deeply divided over proposed CPS budget with days left to close $734M shortfall
Many of the mayor’s appointed board members support a loan.
“We have to ensure that we have every single option and every single tool accessible to our CEO,” Mayor Johnson said. “It’s going to get passed with the majority of the board that understands my vision for public education.”
READ MORE | $734M Chicago Public Schools budget deficit looms as students return to class
By law, the Chicago Board of Education is required to pass a CPS budget by the end of the month, so time is quickly dwindling for board members to reach an agreement.
Thursday rally with CTU members is expected at Fort Dearborn Elementary School.
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