Chicago schools with enrollment declines face major budget cuts

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Chicago Public Schools expected 2,166 students at Schurz High School in the Old Irving Park neighborhood this year. But 156 of those students didn't show up and now, a month into the school year, Schurz is poised to lose more than $1 million in funding.

Citywide, 51 percent of district-operated schools — 258 of 503 buildings — fell below enrollment projections and most of those schools are expected to see budget cuts, according to a Tribune analysis of recorded enrollment on the 10th day of classes. Three schools in addition to Schurz stand to see funding cut by at least $1 million.

Enrollment matters more than ever this year at CPS. For the first time the district, under its student-based budgeting policy, is pulling money from schools where enrollment fell short of projections. That will lead to tough decisions for principals, who may have to consider cutting staff or programs to make ends meet.

The situation is further complicated since going into the year, the district was working off a budget that relies on a so-far nonexistent $480 million in help from Springfield, said Clarice Berry of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association.

Declining population does complicate things.