Chicago Public Schools announces 227 administrative layoffs

Chicago Public Schools will announce layoffs on Friday as it deals with a huge, budget deficit. The nation’s third-largest school district said in a news release that notices were being sent Friday, though 57 employees would be able to reapply for 35 positions.

The total reduction of 433 positions is estimated to save the district $45.1 million per year, beginning with fiscal year 2017.

Chicago Public Schools officials Friday announced extensive layoffs in the district’s central offices, saying they were trying to keep necessary cuts out of classrooms. Union members last month overwhelmingly authorized their leaders to call a strike if needed, which was an attempt to pressure the district to avoid layoffs or severe cuts.

Claypool did not say how many people, including administrative staff, would be laid off Friday, but teachers are not expected to be among them.

CPS says numerous cuts affect employees across administrative departments, including procurement, law, IT, facilities, diverse learners and payroll.

Claypool renewed calls for the state to boost its funding for CPS, claiming the district has 20 percent of the state’s students, but receives only 15 percent of its education allocation, while Chicagoans pay for state teacher pensions even as the state does not contribute to Chicago’s teacher pensions.

FILE – In this July 16, 2015, file photo, Chicago Public Schools District CEO Forrest Claypool listens to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel during a news conference in Chicago.

Democrats, who hold big majorities in both chambers of the Illinois Legislature, blasted the plan nearly immediately.