CPS to announce Central Office, administrative layoffs Friday

CHICAGO -- Chicago Public Schools is bracing for a round of "painful layoffs" on Friday.

CPS CEO Forrest Claypool notified the district Thursday that this round of cuts will impact the Central Office and administrative staff. The layoffs - which will not involve teachers - are part of the district's plan to reduce expenses and borrow money.

"I think we have to be wary of the direction this is heading, which is cuts to the schools in the middle of the year - whether it be Central Office or on the front line - are no good and are a step in the wrong direction," CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey said.

The action comes one day after Gov. Bruce Rauner and Republican legislative leaders announced plans to take over the school district's finances, which could lead to bankruptcy. The Chicago Teachers Union responded by saying blasted that plan, saying they are making progress in negotiations.

In his e-mail Thursday, Claypool told employees, in part: "We do not take these actions lightly, but as we ask others to do their part, we are doing everything in our power to put our fiscal house in order. Every department at CPS will have to do more with less, as we streamline administrative functions in an effort to prevent cuts from reaching our classroom doors."

The Chicago Teachers Union says any layoff notices for its staff are on hold until at least February 1.