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Happy Friday! Reema Amin here from Chalkbeat Chicago, thrilled that we’ve reached the end of the week … but not before I share our top headlines.

You probably remember the school board’s controversial budget vote from July, when 11 board members voted to assume that more state money than expected will come. This assumption came with a mandate for CPS: Reverse hundreds of school-based layoffs.

There’s an obvious catch: If additional money doesn’t come, CPS will likely make midyear budget cuts.

Our latest story reveals that CPS has so far hired back 350 people across 200 or so schools. One teacher told me he’s very happy to be back in the classroom and earning a salary. But some principals told me they’re frustrated — the rehired staffers that CPS sent can’t meet their schools’ actual needs.

Send us tips and feedback by replying to this email. Enjoy your weekend, and we’ll be in your inbox Monday.

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Local News

Chicago teachers, school leaders navigate uncertainty after school board reverses summer layoffs

The district has rehired 350 laid off staffers after Chicago’s school board voted to reverse hundreds of layoffs.

Around Chalkbeat

Newark schools says a state audit found ‘nothing.’ The auditors flagged the Criminal Justice division.

The audit found Newark Public Schools received excess state aid and gaps in employee background checks. District officials disputed many of its findings yet celebrated the results.

NYC math teacher who helped develop Illustrative Mathematics makes the case for its open-ended approach

Bard teacher Gabe Rosenberg helped develop Illustrative Mathematics, which NYC mandates for Algebra 1. He discusses its critics, struggling students, and AI.

How to fix Michigan’s literacy crisis? Start with poverty and housing solutions, experts say

Michigan’s gubernatorial candidates are focused on training and getting back to the basics to improve literacy. But some experts say the state must also address issues related to poverty, such as housing insecurity.

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