WEST ENGLEWOOD — At least 200 students greeted Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool with a loud protest as he came for a pre-planned visit to Lindblom Math and Science Academy.
“I’m out here because I believe education is very important,” said Makaylah Mnyofu, 13, as she stood outside the school, 6130 S. Wolcott Ave.
“No need for budget cuts. We need to save our schools and our teachers.”
“They shouldn't cut budgets,” said Haille Minor, 13. She worries that laying off teachers will create larger classrooms. “Students won’t learn at the same pace if the classes get really big.”
RELATED: New South Side School Budgets Have Lindblom Losing, Charter Schools Gaining
Claypool visited the school in a planned event to observe how Lindblom students are teaching elementary students from Henderson and Nicholson Elementary how to do computer coding. After speaking with students, he answered questions from the media about the student-organized protest and a possible teachers strike that could happen as early as March.
He said that instead of the Chicago Teachers Union considering a citywide strike, they need to work with CPS and lobby in Springfield.
“It’s sad the teachers are more interested in a strike than a solution,” Claypool said. “The solution lies in Springfield and that’s where we need their voices. A strike is not a solution."
A strike vote is scheduled for Wednesday to Friday.
Jesse Sharkey, vice president of the union, was upset by Claypool's comments.
"It's actually the opposite," he said. "We do want a solution, but we actually are looking for a solution that's more than just cutbacks. We want a solution that's gonna provide high-quality education for students.
He said CPS is seeking "over $650 million worth of cuts out of the pay of frontline educators over the next three years."
Claypool wouldn’t say how many teachers could lose their jobs under budget cuts being considered by CPS.
“We’re still working on that," he said. "We have some time.”
He said he’s hopeful Springfield will give the district equal funding so they'll operate like the schools downstate and in the suburbs.
“We’re asking for equal funding in the state of Illinois, not more, not a bail out, just treat us equally, treat us like all the other schools in the state of Illinois,” Claypool said.
"We said that if Springfield doesn't act, we would have to do mid-year cuts in the classroom and more unsustainable borrowing," he added. "As you know we have a $1.1 billion deficit, our credit card is maxed out. ... We do not have the resources to fight our way out of this unless Springfield treats us fairly, unless Springfield at least gives us equal funding with the rest of the state."
Sharkey agreed that seeking help from Springfield is "part of the picture here. That doesn't excuse CPS and the leadership in the city from doing their part and playing a positive role in trying to reach that solution. And right now I just think their ... contract position is stuck on stupid. And if we're gonna be serious, then they have to be serious, too."
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