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Unions
Acero said it would close 7 schools before the 2025-26 school year due to a $40 million budget shortfall.
The Chicago Teachers Union says Trump’s mass deportation plans make it especially urgent for the district to agree to a new contract before 2025.
The unions have raised concerns that some CTU proposals would shave away power from their members.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the proposed charter school closures require more aggressive solutions from the district, but he hasn’t “seen that type of leadership” from CPS.
After the entire school board decided to step down amid a budget dispute, criticism from city aldermen and others is raining down on Brandon Johnson.
The move comes after the teachers union claimed that CPS CEO Pedro Martinez is planning for school closures — and after the mayor asked Martinez to resign.
Chicago schools chief denies teachers union claim that he is looking to consolidate schools
Sources close to Chicago Public Schools say Martinez wants to continue as CEO.
The union said its proposals present opportunities for students of color, and asked the district to explore ways to raise more money.
With no clarity about how Chicago Public Schools will fund a new teachers contract, negotiations have not progressed significantly over the past few months.
Forty-nine Illinois school districts are still below 70% adequately funded, according to the state.
The district posted its opening proposals online and the union shared its contract ideas with members. Both sides want at least a four-year agreement.
The Chicago Teachers Union is proposing adding 'newcomer liaisons’ at schools enrolling students arriving from other countries. But the district is facing a budget deficit that could limit hiring.
The teachers union propelled Johnson to City Hall with an education platform promising more funding and staff at neighborhood schools, housing for homeless students, and free public transit passes.
The four-year deal between the district and SEIU Local 73 covers school support staff, including special education classroom assistants, bus aides, and security officers.
The joint initiative between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union provides up to $500,000 per school for wraparound services.
The teachers union shared more details about demands it will make as it negotiates a new contract with Chicago Public Schools.
After years of thorny relationships with district officials and mayors, the Chicago Teachers Union will bargain a new contract this year with a district that now answers to former CTU organizer Mayor Brandon Johnson.
Principals are the leaders of their schools and staff. But in Chicago, multiple entities have power over principals — and soon, an elected school board and a principals union could impact how school leaders work.
Contract negotiations between SEIU Local 73 and Chicago Public Schools have been going on since May 2023. Union leaders say talks have stalled.