Chicago Public Schools Cuts 161 Jobs as Budget Crisis Forces Major Staff Reductions

Facing a massive $734 million budget shortfall, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced a wave of layoffs that will impact hundreds of employees, including a significant portion of the district’s crossing guard workforce. On Friday, CPS confirmed the termination of 161 employees and the closure of 209 vacant positions as part of what officials are calling a strategic effort to reduce spending while protecting classrooms from deeper impacts.

Among the hardest hit are the crossing guards, with nearly 87 members of SEIU Local 73—the union representing the guards—losing their jobs. Additionally, 24 unfilled crossing guard roles have also been cut, resulting in a 15% reduction in the staff that helps keep students safe on their way to and from school. The decision has sparked concern from both union leaders and community members who fear for the safety of children navigating busy city streets without adequate crossing supervision.

The layoffs extend beyond crossing guards. Seven members of the Chicago Teachers Union were let go, and 19 vacant teaching positions were eliminated. The central office and network teams saw 67 staff members laid off, with another 166 positions permanently closed. The move reflects growing financial pressure on CPS, which recently transitioned leadership following the departure of former CEO Pedro Martinez. His interim replacement, Macquline King, revealed this week that the district’s financial troubles are far worse than previously disclosed.

This initial wave of cuts impacts only central office and citywide administrative staff. CPS has confirmed that school-based layoffs, including those affecting teachers and support staff, are expected to follow in July. Traditionally, the district conducts its staffing adjustments in May, but the leadership transition has caused delays in this year’s timeline.

In a statement released Friday, district leaders emphasized that the budget team and department heads have been working to identify cost-saving measures that limit the impact on schools and students. In addition to job cuts, CPS has also slashed contractual services and non-personnel expenses to further mitigate financial strain.

The decision has prompted strong opposition from SEIU Local 73, which held a rally earlier in the week urging the district to preserve as many jobs as possible. At the rally, Doris Alexander, a crossing guard with 26 years of service, spoke out passionately about the role guards play in student safety and how the layoffs will affect not just the workers, but their families who depend on the income.

“How can they get to school safely if there’s no crossing guards to get them back and forth?” Alexander asked, voicing the growing frustration among school staff and community advocates.

All affected employees from the central office were formally notified on Friday, while union-represented employees received notice earlier in the week. As Chicago’s largest public employer grapples with one of the most severe financial challenges in recent memory, the ripple effects of these cuts are likely to be felt in schools, on sidewalks, and across neighborhoods in the weeks and months ahead.