Chicago Teachers Union blames state school spending impasse on lack of leadership

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Chicago Tribune

By Juan Perez Jr.

The Chicago Teachers Union on Thursday blamed the mayor, governor and school district for an impasse over state education funding, while also suggesting that teachers would do their part by accepting a contract without annual pay hikes.

The CTU again called on Chicago to help fund schools with an array of local tax increases as a way to push the General Assembly toward passing an education package. The city tax hikes were quickly rejected by Mayor Rahm Emanuel after the union first suggested them last month.

The union's comments came at a news conference one day after Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool said the district won't open its doors this fall if state government fails to approve an education budget.

"One of the things we're most concerned about is that we have, clearly, a failure on the part of leadership," CTU President Karen Lewis said.

FULL story at link.



Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-chicago-teachers-union-state-budget-0603-20160602-story.html

[yeoman6987]

1. First I would look at a comparable city to Chicago like LA and see how much their budget is

Chicago schools have snow to contend with which has to be considered but if the taxes need to be raised but the mayor says no. Then the school superintendent needs to explain how much is needed and where it will go so the citizens can write to the mayor and tell him this is best. Why is the mayor saying no? When was the last time taxes were raised? This seems easy but communication with citizens is a must.

[AngryAmish]

2. Taxes were raised six months ago.

The CTU is arguing with math.

[yeoman6987]

3. Oh wow. I guess the union needs to realize they will have to deal with budget offered

[ancianita]

4. This isn't about overspending on direct instructional services. This is about preserving

six figure bureaucratic salaries and pet project spending that comes out of the wasteful and useless central office staff.

The union is negotiating the stewarding of resources toward the city's children at school levels, and everyone should know that "average" teacher salary is defined by the board to include all the 150+ six figure non-classroom administrators downtown, central office and sub-district bureaucrats who do nothing for children but figure out ways to make their education professionals jump hoops to serve desk jockeys who wouldn't be caught dead in a classroom.

You could cut the Chicago CPS central staff in half and not a ripple would be felt throughout the schools of District 299. Then the city could afford its schools.