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If projections of lower enrollment are factored into the budgeting process, it could mean that significant layoffs could occur within the school district. If students don t return to the district, funds across CPS, including the Student Wellness Fund, could drop.
Treasurer Jennifer Wagner says if they projected that 36,000 students would be in the district next year, that would lead to excessive hires, which could also turn into layoffs if the district does in fact not meet that number. Board Member Melanie Bates says the board caused an exodus. This reality has to be brought to the full board as to whether or not the intent is to grow or to continue to push out people because of the votes of the board, Bates said, alluding to the board s back-and-forth decisions on blended and full remote learning. If we would ve followed the superintendent s recommendations, I don t think we would ve been quite in the dilemma we are today.