(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – CPS may need around 650 substitute teachers next Wednesday as teachers are encouraged to take a paid leave day to advocate at the state capitol, according to an internal memo obtained by the Libertarian think tank Illinois Policy Institute.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are skeptical about Mayor Brandon Johnson's request for an additional $1 billion for CPS during budget negotiations.
CPS faces a $400 million budget gap while CTU members seek 9% annual raises in their next contract negotiations.
Despite falling enrollment, Chicago Public Schools' per-pupil spending has soared past $24,000.
The Illinois Policy Institute noted that next Wednesday - May 15 - marks a year since Mayor Brandon Johnson took office. With CTU backing his campaign, he's become their steadfast ally in both Chicago and Springfield, having previously worked for the union himself.
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