HUMBOLDT PARK — Of the 416 Chicago schools set for budget cuts amid a nearly $100 million citywide shortfall, Humboldt Park will lose money on the whole while adding funds to local charter schools.
A total of 416 schools will likely see budget cuts while 238 schools, largely charters, are set for increased funding at a total of $68.5 million, according to Chicago Public Schools data.
Chicago High School for the Arts, 2714 W. Augusta Blvd. (DNAinfo/Darryl Holliday)
The losses and gains are reflected in overall allotments for Humboldt Park schools — including designated neighborhood schools, charter schools and Academy for Urban School Leadership schools — which will see a net loss of $232,282 for the 2015-2016 school year.
"We're spending the same money on students regardless of where they choose to go," CPS Chief Executive Officer Jesse Ruiz said.
The gains and losses were largely linked to enrollment counts. Since the 2013-14 school year, CPS has funded schools on a per-pupil basis, providing $4,697 for every kindergarten through third grade student; $4,390 for every fourth through eighth grade student; and $5,444 for every high school student.
The district had previously tried to shield neighborhood schools from cuts along these lines, by holding principals "harmless" for enrollment levels below projections — a practice that is no longer possible as CPS faces more than $100 million in new state funding cuts and upcoming pension payments, he said.
Humboldt Park is expected to lose around 40 students across the board, according to a CPS enrollment projection.
"Money follows the students," CPS Chief Financial Officer Ginger 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, neighborhood schools are expected to enroll about 4,000 fewer students in the fall, while charters increase enrollment by about 3,000 students.
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