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Teachers and community speakers urge board to reject layoffs and furloughs
Summary
Dozens of teachers, CTU representatives and parents told the Chicago Board of Education during the July 20 FY27 budget hearing that proposed layoffs, furlough days and program cuts will harm students—especially those receiving special education services—and urged state and county officials to release withheld funds.
Dozens of teachers, union representatives and alumni urged the Chicago Board of Education on July 20 to reject the proposed FY27 budget reductions that would eliminate positions and add furlough days.
"No cuts, no furloughs," Vicky Kurzidlow, recording secretary of the Chicago Teachers Union, told the board, and she urged state lawmakers and the Cook County treasurer to release money the district is owed. Multiple classroom teachers described lost positions and program reductions: "My special ed position had been cut," said Eliana Akalani, a special education teacher, who said removing experienced special education staff disrupts legally mandated supports. Andrea Sanchez, a bilingual special education teacher at Fairfield Academy, said her school lost three special education teachers and its librarian and asked how Individualized Education Program (IEP) minutes will be met with fewer staff.
Teachers and organizers repeatedly linked staffing cuts to harms for students: "Libraries are some of the most equitable delivery systems of knowledge," said Yolanda Neff, a reading teacher and CTU organizer, describing how educators have used personal funds to fill gaps. Speakers also called for political pressure in Springfield and for Cook County to participate in bridge loan programs so schools can keep staff in classrooms. The board took no vote at the hearing; public testimony concluded before the budget presentation by district staff.
