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Local Schools Face CPS Budget Ax

By Ed Komenda | July 14, 2015 11:14am
 Back of the Yards High School is expected to gain almost $1.4 million in budget dollars, Chicago Public Schools announced Monday.
Back of the Yards High School is expected to gain almost $1.4 million in budget dollars, Chicago Public Schools announced Monday.
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Public Building Commission of Chicago

BRIDGEPORT — There were winners and losers when Chicago Public Schools released the results of this year's budget cutting session.

CPS announced Monday that neighborhood schools will see almost $60 million in cuts districtwide, while charter schools and programs for at-risk students could see a combined $30 million in gains.

In the 60609 and 60616 ZIP codes — including Bridgeport, Chinatown, Canaryville and Back of the Yards — CPS projected more than $2.9 million in gains and more than $3.4 million in cuts.

The area's big winner was Back of the Yards High School, which stands to gain $1.37 million. Hedges Elementary is expected to take the biggest cut at $646,832.

Here's a look at the Bridgeport-area schools expected to get more cash:

• Back of the Yards High School: + $1,365,574

Horizon Science Academy: + $579,943

Beethoven Elementary: + $248,566

Dewey Elementary: + $189,014

Pershing East: + $172,758

Chavez Elementary: + $120,864

McClellan Elementary: + $83,732

Sheridan: + $76,824

Healy: + $47,272

Namaste Charter School: + 41,024

Arthur A. Libby Elementary: + $27,012

James Ward: + $26,982

Graham Elementary: +$16,996

Doolittle East: + $7,693

Beasley Elementary: + $5,720

Here's a listing of the schools hit hardest by the budget cuts:

Hedges Elementary: -$646,832

Evergreen Academy: - $356,930

Richards Career Academy: - $309,375

Holden: - $210,592

Hendricks Community Academy: - $183,893

Lara Academy: - $181,834

Basil (Chicago International Charter School): - $179,410

Tilden Career Community Academy: - $172,813

Bronzeville Scholastic Institute: - $165,848

Thomas Elementary: - $162,576

Sherman School of Excellence: - $162,215

Hamline Elementary: - $148,614

Armour: - $142,475

Seward: - $113,003

Peace and Education Coalition High School: - $107,197

Haines: - $85,443

ACE Technical Charter School: - $58,421

Daley Elementary: - $42,709

In a media conference call on student-based budgeting Monday, CPS Chief Financial Officer Ginger Ostro said 238 schools would see increased funding, at a total of $68.5 million, while 416 see budgets cut, at a total of $99.5 million.

"Money follows the students," Ostro said, adding that projected CPS enrollment for the coming school year is 372,275, down about 1 percent from last year.

According to the district, so-called neighborhood schools are expected to enroll about 4,000 fewer students in the fall, while charters increase enrollment by about 3,000 students.

Basic student-based budgeting would remain level at $4,390 a student for grades 4-8, with $4,697 for students in kindergarten through third grade and $5,444 a pupil in high schools.

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