There’s a time-honored adage that aptly states: when something can’t persist indefinitely, it likely won’t.
Chicago is currently grappling with the harsh realities of this truth as its public school system faces an alarming budget shortfall of $734 million, leading to the impending layoffs of nearly 1,500 teachers and staff members.
One might argue that Mayor Brandon Johnson could have channeled more energy into fulfilling the obligations owed to taxpayer citizens rather than prioritizing the needs of illegal immigrants and the city’s ‘sanctuary’ status.
BREAKING – Chicago Public Schools are now BANKRUPT as the city faces a $734 million deficit after paying for illegals, and must now lay off 1,458 employees, including 432 teachers and 677 special education classroom assistants. pic.twitter.com/8sAqN4rfHL
— A Man Of Memes (@RickyDoggin) July 14, 2025
NBC News in Chicago reports:
CPS parents voice concerns over impending budget cuts after layoffs
On Monday, parents and community members associated with Chicago Public Schools expressed their apprehensions just three days after the district announced layoffs affecting more than 1,400 positions, including teachers, classroom aides, and security personnel.
The first of five community listening sessions occurred at Dyett High School, providing parents with an opportunity to share their perspectives regarding the budgetary challenges following these layoffs.
The district’s chief budget officer delivered a stark assessment of the financial landscape facing Chicago schools.
“We are confronting a budget deficit of $734 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. In the simplest terms, we are $734 million short of what we anticipate needing next year,” stated Michael Sitkowski, CPS chief budget officer.
Input gathered from these community discussions is expected to inform significant budgetary decisions moving forward.
“To achieve a balanced budget, we must identify $734 million in additional resources or implement cost reductions,” he added.
Thus, attendees rolled up their sleeves, as parents, teachers, and even students critically assessed their primary concerns.
This predicament was entirely foreseeable, wasn’t it?
Lining up to the stereotype that Democrats spend money they do not have. Brandon Johnson is an absolute failure. Stop voting Democrat if you want things to change. https://t.co/6D1aamzI7S
— Christian Vaughn (@Krevlob) July 15, 2025
For those in New York City looking to foresee their future under a hypothetical Mayor Zohran Mamdani administration, Chicago’s current situation offers a rather sobering glimpse.