One day after firing all the teachers at eight schools, Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman announced a $900 million projected deficit for next year. Huberman's presentation specifically singled out "increases in pension costs" and "increases in teacher compensation" as the main causes of this crisis. He's vowed to reopen the five-year contract that Marilyn Stewart has trumpeted as our bulwark against budget cuts.

Our President has responded with some tough talk. There will be no concessions, she says. CPS must stand by the contract it made, she says. Members should prepare for job actions and rallies, she says. This is all well and good.

But what about the things Marilyn isn't saying? How is our President making our case to the public that we are not overpaid? How is she stopping the Board from painting us as greedy and out of touch with the State's and students' needs? How is she informing the membership about the real state of CPS's finances? Does she even know?

We need a President who is articulate  in public, who can build our relationships with our community partners, and who can educate our  members. Without that, tough talk is just part of an exit strategy. Below are some facts to counter Huberman's hot air.

1. This is a political announcement designed to build public support for attacking teachers. Huberman's numbers are vague and suspect.

2. For the past eight years the BOE has projected a deficit in January or February only to show surpluses in August.

3. The BOE did not make any contributions to our pension fund between 1995 and 2005—as they diverted some $1.2 billion to their general operating budget.

4. Had they invested this money, our pension would be 99% funded.

5. Average Chicago teacher pension: $39,000/year. We get no Social Security.

If we take our case to the public we can win support. Now is not the time to cut front line educators. At COREteachers.org you can read more budget facts. We need our union  to inform its members!