Citing expected savings of $500,000 to $600,000, the Chicago CityColleges Board voted Thursday to cut summer classes by half.
The board unanimously approved the cuts without debate, markingthe third consecutive term in which course offerings have beenreduced as a deficit reduction measure. About 52 classes will bedropped.
A deficit of about $7 million is expected in the fiscal yearending June 30.
Board President Ronald Gidwitz said efforts are being made totarget remaining summer classes for continuing City Collegesstudents.
Gidwitz said the students likely to lose out are Chicagoresidents who attend other colleges in the fall and spring, but signup for low-cost City Colleges courses in the summer.
"It is our intention to try to give preference to students whoare currently enrolled in City Colleges programs," he said.
The cuts affect only courses offered for college credit. Theydo not affect adult literacy classes and other non-credit courses thecolleges offer.
Faculty Council Chairman Roger Podewell questioned the projectedsavings, contending that nearly all the expected savings in facultysalaries would be made up in tuition. Podewell said City Councilrecently approved a resolution calling on the colleges to restoreclasses that were cut earlier this year.
"This is at the expense of students, faculty and the future lossof state money," he said.
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