Chicago Public Schools to Layoff 530+ Math and Literacy Tutors
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is set to lay off over 530 math and literacy tutors on May 30, 2025, a direct consequence of a $529 million budget deficit and the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds that have supported these roles since 2021.
Post-layoffs, tutoring services will be confined to just 55 middle schools, significantly reducing academic support for students across the district.
The financial strain stems from CPS's earlier decision to allocate nearly $3 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds toward hiring additional staff and expanding programs. While this investment led to notable improvements in student outcomes, such as Chicago's middle-grade students ranking first among large school districts for reading recovery post-pandemic, the reliance on temporary funding without a sustainable plan has now necessitated severe cutbacks.
Compounding the issue, CPS recently approved a new contract with the Chicago Teachers Union, adding approximately $1.5 billion in expenses over four years. This agreement is projected to escalate annual deficits to between $834 million and $983 million, further challenging the district's financial stability.
To address the current shortfall, CPS has implemented measures including central office budget reductions, hiring freezes, and the elimination of vacant positions. Despite these efforts, the district's financial outlook remains precarious, with enrollment declines and underutilized facilities exacerbating the situation.
The impending layoffs and service reductions underscore the urgent need for CPS to develop a sustainable financial strategy that ensures consistent support for its students and staff.
