CPS Considering Property Tax Increase

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Public Schools administrators, still faced with a deficit of more than $600 million after making significant cuts, are considering more job cuts and a property tax increase.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's David Roe reports, the Chicago Tribune says administrators for the school system are seeking to take in $100 million more in property taxes.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's David Roe reports

The Chicago School Board is considering whether to go ahead with the highest tax increase permitted under state law, which would translate into higher property tax bills for residents.

The system is also making more job cuts at the central office in middle management, the newspaper reported.

CPS has already made $75 million in cuts to the central office, by scaling back the school bus fleet, cutting back on custodial service, and renting out space in the schools that is not used, the Tribune reported.

The School Board also canceled a 4 percent raise for teachers for a savings of $100 million, even though the raise was in the teachers' contract.

CTU president Karen Lewis said afterward that the union will sit down to renegotiate the pay package that the board canceled. She would not make any predictions about how the talks might end, but said a strike is a possibility.

Earlier this week, CPS said about 1,000 teachers would be laid off – partially because of school closings and dropping enrollment, but also due to cuts to about 100 supplemental teaching positions and reductions in programs.

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• Chicago Public Schools
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