CHICAGO – Mayor Johnson released the following statement on negotiations between Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) negotiations:  

 “Last week, I called CEO Pedro Martinez, President Stacy Davis Gates, Board President Sean Harden, and their teams to City Hall to help move toward settling a fair contract for our city’s educators. We had a productive conversation, and both parties agreed to keep talking. Our students have waited long enough, my hope is that they will settle on a tentative deal as soon as possible. 

 “From conversations with both CPS and CTU leadership, we know they are nearing a tentative agreement. The rank-and-file educators, the bargaining committee, and the elected delegates will ultimately make the decision on whether or not this offer is suitable.   

 “When we met with CPS and CTU leadership, there were three outstanding issues that stood in the way of landing a fair deal. These issues were preparation time for elementary school teachers, the faulty teacher evaluation system, and retaining veteran educators. It is promising that they have made significant headway on all three of those critical issues.  

 “What we are hearing about this potential deal is encouraging, not just for our hardworking teachers but for all Chicagoans. We all benefit when our public schools are thriving. The potential agreement includes smaller class sizes for our students and librarians in dozens of schools across our city.   

 “As the father of public school students and a former teacher, my hope is that the two sides can bridge the remaining gap. I ran for mayor with a simple vision for public education in Chicago. I believe that in a world-class city, we should have a world-class school in every neighborhood.   

 “That means Sustainable Community Schools, neighborhood schools with wrap-around services, including social workers and nurses in every school community. A full and rich curriculum where all of our students see their own reflections in the content and have access to sports, music, the arts, and exposure to new careers and technical skills. I believe that is a popular vision for our schools that all Chicagoans who love this city can get behind. 

 “We have already seen how this model can turn schools and entire communities around with Dyett Arts. When I met with those young men, who are now state champions, ten years after we went on a hunger strike to save their school, I saw proof positive the promise and potential of investing in our young people.   

“This potential contract is a step towards a better school district and a stronger city.”

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