500 Oppose School Cuts as CPS Scales Back Impact (IL)

April 22, 2010

Hundreds of Chicago Public Schools parents rallied against the prospect of 37 kids to a class and an "unconscionable” state school funding system Wednesday, just as CPS officials softened earlier projections of the impact of a record deficit.

Many of the 500 or so parents and kids who crowded outside the Thompson Center signed a huge report card giving Illinois an F in school funding. Some carried signs reading "No to 37.” Said another: "Small classes rock!"

Burley Elementary parent Shawn Peek said she was very worried about bulging classrooms.

"The more kids in the class, the less the teacher can teach,” Peek said. "They are more worried about managing 37 kids instead of just teaching.”

CPS officials said the 37 estimate was based on a deficit of $700 million. Pension relief has since shrunk the gap to $600 million, so tentative budgets principals will receive Monday should reflect class sizes of no more than 35, they said. Early-childhood programs also may take less of a hit.

Chicago schools CEO Ron Huberman will lobby lawmakers today for even more help.

Burley parent Wendy Katten was among a string of speakers to rage Wednesday against years of legislative foot-dragging over school funding. Said Katten: "We’re tired of excuses. Words don’t matter. We want change.”