Dueling letters draw CPS parents into battle over funding

The battle between Gov. Bruce Rauner and Chicago Public Schools over education funding played out in dueling letters delivered this week to parents of students at the financially troubled district.

In one letter, State Education Secretary Beth Purvis accused CPS of trying to "arbitrarily create a crisis" with "a curiously timed and unfortunate announcement" on Monday that outlined a $46 million spending freeze for schools.

The district says the budget trims are necessary because of a Rauner veto that cost CPS $215 million in state aid, but Purvis said the cuts are being laid out even as lawmakers work on proposals that include more money for the system.

Purvis told parents that "continued mismanagement left (CPS) with a $215 million hole in the current fiscal year," despite an annual special block grant from the state, declining enrollment within the district and increased property taxes.

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-bruce-rauner-chicago-school-budget-met-20170207-story.html