Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced the layoff of 1,458 employees, including hundreds of teachers and staff members, in a significant move to address a staggering budget shortfall estimated at $734 million. The decision comes as a second round of cuts aimed at closing the deficit and ensuring the operational stability of the district. In recent communications, interim CEO Dr. Macquline King emphasized the urgent need to pass a budget amidst ongoing financial pressures and local and federal funding challenges. The Chicago Teachers Union has called for state intervention to help alleviate the funding crisis, citing concerns over the delivery of retroactive raises and the potential for future cuts. As CPS continues to grapple with these severe budgetary issues, discussions around potential school closures have resurfaced, sparking anxiety among parents and educators.