More Than 2600 Illinois Teachers Out of Work

By aaroncynic in News on Mar 18, 2011 5:20PM

Even though Illinois schools are still $1 billion in the hole, there are fewer districts on the Illinois State Board of Education's “financial watchlist” this year than last. While that may sound like better news, it comes with a price tag of more than 2,600 Illinois teachers out of work. The Sun Times reports that a state board “Reduction in Force Survey” showed more than 2,102 teaching jobs had been cut in Illinois, which doesn't include 554 teaching positions eliminated in Chicago last year.

In addition to laying off teachers, programs have faced cuts as well. Mary Fergus, a spokeswoman for the State Board told the Sun Times “Districts have cut programs, They’ve cut music and art and lots of extras, like reading coaches.”