CPS rallies against funding cuts proposed by Gov. Rauner

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CPS held a rally and community leaders rallied at Drake Elementary on Tuesday. | Brian Jackson/For the Sun-Times

Community leaders joined members of Chicago’s Board of Education Tuesday to oppose what they called “draconian education cuts” proposed by Gov. Rauner, which would reduce the Chicago Public Schools budget $74 million.

CPS CEO Forrest Claypool was among those at the rally outside of Drake Elementary, 2710 S. Dearborn St.

“We must say no to Gov. Rauner’s budget cuts for Chicago Public Schools,” Claypool said in a press conference following the rally. “Our children receive just 74 cents for every dollar the rest of the state receives, on average” — and, Claypool added, that math just does not add up.

Dr. Byron Brazier of the Apostolic Church of God was among several clergy members to attend.

“I am not the only voice, I just happen to be the voice that was there today,” Dr. Brazier said.

He said his congregation of 20,000 people supported his decision to speak out today and express the outrage his community feels about these cuts. “Our children and our children’s children are at risk,” Brazier said. He sees the $74 million dollar reduction of the district’s budget, which is part of a $55 million dollar state budget increase, as “unconscionable” and an example of “political tyranny.”

In response, a Rauner spokeswoman said the formula used to determine school districts’ budgets is based on three factors: the number of students enrolled, the number of low-income students enrolled and the property value of the district. According to the governor’s office, the reason the district’s budget is being reduced is due to the decline of enrolled students and enrolled low-income students, along with increasing property values. At the end of the day, the governor’s office said, the reductions have to happen so that schools can open in the fall.

Bishop Byron Brazier spoke at the CPS rally on Tuesday. | Brian Jackson/For the Sun-Times

Bishop Byron Brazier spoke at the CPS rally on Tuesday. | Brian Jackson/For the Sun-Times

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