City Colleges to cut 120 jobs
System says move a result of state budget stalemate
City Colleges of Chicago announced Wednesday that it would lay off 120 employees as the school system attempts to make up for a state funding shortfall exacerbated by Illinois’ lingering budget stalemate.
In a statement, Chancellor Juan Salgado outlined City College’s spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year, including measures that would serve as a response to an “unprecedented” $ 70 million state funding shortfall.
In addition to the layoffs, which would primarily affect employees at the City Col- leges central office, Salgado also announced plans to cut pay for senior leadership by 10 percent and sell City Colleges’ downtown headquarters at 226 W. Jackson Blvd.
As part of the plan, the central administration offices would be moved to Kennedy- King College in Englewood and Dawson Technical Institute in Bronzeville, Salgado wrote.
“We are committing to a plan for the coming year that makes investments in our current students and communities, grows our enrollment and builds a stable financial position for our institution — with or without Springfield’s help,” Salgado wrote.
To further cut costs, City Colleges would also eliminate 100 percent pension contributions and full medical reimbursements for officers of the school system. The spending plan also calls for reductions in travel expenses, contracts, materials and supplies, as well as more efficiently scheduled classes to better meet demand.