CPS Slammed for Cuts That Hurt Special Ed While Funding Charter Schools
IRVING PARK — Cindy Ok says she doesn't know how Chicago Public Schools will be able to educate its special needs students if the district's budget cuts go through.
Ok, of Ravenswood, is the mother of two sons who attend Jackie Vaughn Occupational High School, 4355 N. Linder Ave., for students with special needs. The children look forward to going to school and, with the help of an aide, take the CTA to and from classes.
That aide's job is now in jeopardy due to CPS' budget cuts, Ok said. About 1,400 people — most of them special education personnel and CPS Central Office employees — would be laid off as part of a $200 million cut to fix a budget hole.
"This is very disturbing," she said. "I've never seen anything like this."
Ok was one of about 20 speakers Tuesday night at a CPS budget hearing held at Schurz High School, 3601 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Irving Park. Afterward, she told DNAinfo that she fears CPS, by laying off personnel like aides who provide services to students with special needs, is making it so "no meaningful educational moments" can occur at Jackie Vaughn.
Vaughn faces more than $46,000 in cuts while its enrollment is projected to rise by seven students to 207 this year.
The hearing, attended by ranking CPS officials, including CEO Forrest Claypool, started with officials telling the crowd that the district faces declining state funding CPS Slammed for Cuts That Hurt Special Ed While Funding Charter Schools - Irving Park - DNAinfo.com Chicago: