CPS budget includes layoffs, pay freezes, furloughs

August 9, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Chicago Public Schools boss Ron Huberman unveiled a budget that calls for cleaning out the system's reserve fund.

The budget is a $6.4 billion plan that school officials say is balanced. Twelve hundred city school workers-- including 800 teachers-- are getting layoff notices this week. Principals will see pay freezes and have to take six furlough days. The $190 million reserve fund would be reduced to zero.

One expert understands why that action is being proposed, but says it is not a good idea.

"We are, would be frightened if the Chicago Public Schools attempts to pass a budget that does not have an adequate reserve, that does not have unallocated spending," said Laurence Msall, Civic Federation President.

"Right now we needed all of those dollars to insure we can get as many teachers back in the classroom and make sure the school system happens on behalf of the kids," said Ron Huberman, Chicago Public Schools CEO.

Huberman says the state owes the district $236 million and that money could fill up the reserve fund again.

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