Contract Negotiations Continue as CTU and CPS Strive to Reach Agreement

Teachers Back in the Classroom, Negotiations Ongoing

Chicago Public School teachers returned to the classroom on Monday, with contract negotiations between the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) continuing. The union held a press conference to update the public on the current state of the negotiations.

CTU President’s Plea for a Settlement

CTU President Stacy Davis Gates emphasized the union’s commitment to reaching a settlement. “In 2025, we intend to settle this. It is our hope that we can settle it at the negotiating table. We have created the conditions for yes, we have narrowed our points of bargaining, we are happy to compromise when it makes sense and we have done so. We need a settlement.”

Progress, but Disagreements Remain

While both sides have reported progress, significant areas of disagreement persist. The teachers are demanding guarantees that the district won’t lay off or furlough workers, more time to prepare lessons, and changes to the evaluation process. Davis Gates accused CPS CEO Pedro Martinez of stalling and blocking board involvement.

CPS CEO’s Response

Martinez, however, insisted that there is movement and that negotiations have reached the stage where signed agreements would be helpful. He emphasized that the district is facing a half-billion-dollar structural deficit and that they cannot afford some of the proposals on the table.

Reserves and Finances

According to Martinez, the district has no cash reserves to fund the teachers’ demands. Davis Gates countered that the district has the money to settle the teachers’ demands and that all they need to do is use tax increment finances that the city shifted to CPS.

New School Board to be Sworn In

The new partially-elected school board is set to be sworn in next week, and Martinez wants them to weigh in on the teachers’ contract and integrate them seamlessly into the new content without adding new tags.

Frequently Asked Questions

* What is the current state of the contract negotiations between the CTU and CPS?
The negotiations are ongoing, with both sides reporting progress but significant areas of disagreement remaining.
* What are the main issues at stake?
The teachers are demanding guarantees against layoffs and furloughs, more time to prepare lessons, and changes to the evaluation process.
* What is the current financial situation of the district?
The district is facing a half-billion-dollar structural deficit and has no cash reserves to fund some of the proposals on the table.
* What is the role of the new school board in the negotiations?
The new school board is set to be sworn in next week and will likely be involved in the negotiations, with the goal of integrating them seamlessly into the process.