Chicago's school board Wednesday approved the teachers contract reached after a seven-day strike last month but delayed a vote on budget amendments needed to pay for the deal.þþThe three-year contract, already ratified by the Chicago Teachers Union, will cost the district an average of $74 million per year, the district said. To accommodate that, the district plans a number of financial moves, including refinancing bonds and selling buildings and vacant land.þþBut the board could not vote on an amended budget Wednesday because it neglected to publicize public hearings five days in advance, as required, instead doing so only four days in advance, said Chief Administrative Officer Tim Cawley.þþThe board plans to vote on the budget Nov. 14 after two public hearings on the spending plan.þþAlso Wednesday, board members approved a three-year contract with a $250,000 base salary for Barbara Byrd-Bennett, named the district's chief executive officer this month after the departure of Jean-Claude Brizard.þþThe contract provides Byrd-Bennett with $30,000 for relocation and transition expenses. Byrd-Bennett has been the district's chief education officer since April. The district did not release the full contract, saying it has to be finalized and signed.þþWednesday's meeting was the first with Byrd-Bennett as CEO. During a 90-minute public comment period she was welcomed by community members and parents, who questioned her about anticipated school closings as well as issues including the lack of air conditioning in classrooms and computers for students.þþAfter encouraging the board to ratify the teachers contract, which includes an option for a fourth year, Michael Brunson, recording secretary for the teachers union, urged the board to handle any decision regarding neighborhood schools in a ÿparticipatory and transparent manner.ÿþþÿFar be it beyond me to tell this board what to do,ÿ Brunson said. ÿI only advise you that this should be done with the right intentions.ÿþþThe cash-strapped district drained its reserves to balance this year's budget. It's also projecting a $1 billion deficit next year with $338 million in pension payments coming due.
Source: Chicago Tribune
