Chicago Public Schools

The last day of school was met with student laughter and worries about the future.

All of the family members had exited the school by Wednesday night.

"It's just so sad what they're doing to the kids," said Gale teacher Roberta Kaiser.

Parents and staff say the reductions will negatively alter the school's reputation.

Parents have raised nearly $50,000 for a new playground, rain garden, running track and sports field.

Protestors used toilet paper to call attention to school cuts outside of a CPS discussion downtown.

"They don't want to pay," said the Chicago Teachers Union boss. "But do you want to pay for prisons?"

Friends of Audubon stepped in to save teaching positions but other staff and programs will be lost.

Charges by conservative gay blogger Kevin DuJan against Uptown teacher are under investigation.

"We did everything we could" to keep the school open, the orchestra's conductor told parents.

District officials rejected Principal Mary Beth Cunat's offer to cut her salary to make up for the cuts.

MARK KONKOL: Students in mentoring program plan to tell Obama all they've overcome since last visit.

Several city agencies will offer detailed weekly school transition updates throughout the summer.

With schools facing the loss of staff and programs, Raise Your Hand said TIF dollars could close the gap.