LINCOLN PARK — Though Chicago Public Schools spared Lincoln Park High School in its latest round of unprecedented cuts to special education positions, the school took a big hit in a second round of cuts based on 10th-day budgeting.
But school Principal Michael Boraz said the most recent budget slash — $677,728, according to CPS data — doesn't reflect the financial situation at the school at all. In fact, the school won't be losing any staff. If anything, Boraz said he might hire another special education teacher to accommodate the school's growing special education population.
How is that possible? Boraz said he set a chunk of money aside before the school year based on his own enrollment projection, which was significantly lower than the district's projection. So while the district said the school was 123 students short on the 10th day of school, Boraz said the school enrolled 27 kids more than he expected.
"We're fine. We're not going to have any disruption," Boraz said of the seemingly large cut. "When we got our numbers over the weekend, I looked at it and I was like, 'Oh, this is better than what I expected it to be.'"
Meanwhile, teachers, parents and politicians are rallying against proposed cuts to special education at schools across the city. Special education services have never before been cut after the school year began, officials said.
The cuts, based on so-called 10th-day budgeting, drawn from attendance on the 10th day of school this year, would eliminate 16.5 teacher positions and 52.5 assistants at a savings of $12 million, CPS officials said.
"Because dollars follow students, the adjustments to our Diverse Learner [special education] programs reflect the actual enrollment and needs of our students," spokeswoman Emily Bittner said.
Approximately 160 schools stand to lose special education teachers, while 184 would lose aides, according to CPS. Principals have until Nov. 2 to appeal.
Here's how schools in Lincoln Park and Old Town fared based on 10-day budgeting:
Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, 615 W. Kemper Pl.: The school was nine students short of the district's projection and stands to lose $30,195 and no special education positions.
Walter L. Newberry Math & Science Academy, 700 W. Willow St.: With five fewer students than the district projected, the school stands to lose $23,109, along with one special education teacher and two special education aides.
LaSalle Language Academy, 1734 N. Orleans St.: It exceeded the district's projection by one student. The school will gain $4,083, but stands to lose one special education teacher and one aide.
Manierre Elementary, 1420 N. Hudson Ave.: The school was six students short of the district's projection. It stands to lose $15,382, one special education teacher and one aide.
Oscar Mayer Magnet School, 2250 N. Clifton Ave.: The school has two more students than the district projected. It stands to lose $6,629, one special education teacher and one aide.
Skinner North Classical School, 640 W. Scott Ave.: The school had nine more students than the district projected. While it will gain $39,817, it stands to lose one special education teacher and one aide.
Franklin Fine Arts Center, 225 W. Evergreen Ave.: With two fewer students than the district projected, the school stands to lose $7,375, three special education aides and no teachers.
Walter Payton College Prep, 1034 N. Wells St.: The high school fell short 14 students, and stands to lose $79,477 and one special education aide.
Prescott Elementary School, 1632 W. Wrightwood Ave.: It exceeded the district's expectation by eight students, gaining $38,983 and not losing any special education positions.
Ruben Salazar Bilingual Center, 160 W. Wendell St.: Despite surpassing the district's projection by eight students, it will lose two special education teachers. It will also gain $34,812.
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