CPS Budget Deals Amundsen $1 Million Reduction, Displaces 11 Staff

Amundsen High School’s Local School Council passed the budget given to them by Chicago Public Schools—but did so under protest.

With almost $1 million less than the previous year’s funds, 11 staff members will be displaced, according to a proposed budget prepared by first year principal Anna Pavichevich. The 11 positions include seven teachers and four support staff.

“Yes, we will accept this budget, but that’s not the world that we want,” LSC  member Darinka D’Alessio said.

This year, CPS budgets were calculated on a per-student basis, rather than by position, as in the past.  

Principals have more control, but are tasked with more expenditures, like the $20,000 in custodial supplies Pavichevich had to create in the budget.

The different process also eliminated funds for a college readiness and career coach, but the principal said she’s working to still keep that program available to students.

Some staff members have taken on extra responsibilities, while the school plans a garage sale to raise funds.

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Pavichevich said she expects minimal to no impacts for students as a result of the smaller budget.

Programmer and international baccalaureate coordinator at the school Minh Nguyen said class sizes would rise but not above the mandated 31 students-per-class limit set forth in a contract with the Chicago Teachers Union.

Under his calculation, core subjects would be in the 25.5 to 27.6-student range, with Spanish and French at 28.6 and 27.5.

Amundsen isn’t the only school faced with a budgetary challenge from CPS. 

Nearby Mather High School’s budget saw a $1.2 million reduction and a $1.06 million difference was noted in Lincoln Park High School, according to DNAinfo.com.

“Everyone is facing the same crisis, some of it worth, I believe with the staff we have we really are going to be able to do more with less,” Pavichevich said.

With the LSC’s passage at Saturday morning's meeting, CPS will review the budget again and summit it for final approval in July.