Teachers, CTU and parents oppose layoffs and urge state and county action

Union leaders and multiple teachers filled the public-comment portion of the July 20 hearing with pleas to avoid layoffs and furlough days and to pursue alternative revenue paths. "No cuts, no furloughs," Vicky Kurzidlow, recording secretary of the Chicago Teachers Union, told the board, adding that "this budget can't be balanced at the expense of our students and the professionals who nurture and care for our city's children."

Speakers described concrete local impacts: Eliana Alkalani said she had lost her special-education position and that removing experienced special-education staff "disrupts relationships" that students rely on. Andrea Sanchez, a bilingual special-education teacher, said Fairfield Academy lost three special-education positions and a librarian and asked, "How will their IEPs be implemented with fewer special-education teachers?" Several speakers asked Cook County to release withheld property-tax money (speakers cited a $440 million figure and union testimony referenced $250 million held by the treasurer).

Alderman Byron Sichel Lopez also addressed the board, criticizing Springfield and the governor and urging local and state leaders to pursue progressive revenue options; he called for pressure on elected officials and said the money exists to fund schools. Board members and staff acknowledged the public comments and said staff continue to pursue county bridge-loan options and state advocacy work, but they also described timing constraints that limit how much new revenue could be secured before early fall payroll obligations.