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School will be in session on May 1 in Chicago, but Chicago Public Schools and its teachers union reached an agreement Thursday that would allow some students and educators to attend a pro-labor, anti-Trump afternoon rally and provide buses to the event.
The Chicago Teachers Union had pushed to cancel classes that day so students and staff members could join a national “no school, no work, no shopping” day of protests. But despite strong backing from Mayor Brandon Johnson, newly appointed CEO Macquline King balked at that demand, saying in an earlier note to parents that “every minute in the classroom is vital for students.”
The standoff became national news and a political hot potato for Johnson, a former CTU employee and close ally. Critics of his stance argued that canceling school on a short notice would put working parents in a tough spot and pointed to the district’s post-pandemic problems with high student absenteeism, especially at the high school level.
In a Friday morning statement, the district stressed holding the line on keeping classes in session for the entire school day. It said that staff are expected to work the full day but can use personal days or other time off after giving proper notice. It also said principals can exercise discretion in allowing students to participate in civic engagement activities that day, but no students will be required to do so.
“This agreement preserves the classroom time students deserve and respects our staff and families who must be able to trust CPS to uphold the academic school year calendar,” said King in the statement. “At the same time, the agreement honors the proud history of civic action in Chicago and beyond.”
The agreement says that the district will work “in good faith” to provide at least 100 schools with bagged lunches and transportation to a 1 p.m. Union Park rally or other events, though the city would supply free transit cards if CPS cannot line up enough buses. The district will also give 65 CTU members paid leave to travel to Springfield the week of May 13 and lobby state lawmakers for more funding for schools. CPS will also designate May 1, 2028, as a teacher-directed professional development day of non-attendance for students.
In an email to members, the teachers union hailed the agreement with the district as “monumental news” and a victory for encouraging civic engagement among students and employees.
“We’re proud to be part of a school district that recognizes the responsibility of educators to stand up for our students, support them in finding their voice, and to not sit on the sidelines of history when the people of this country finally say ‘enough’ to the abuses from the White House,” the message said.
In a statement, Johnson praised the agreement as well, saying his office looks forward to “a day of meaningful solidarity and community resistance to the forces trying to tear us apart.”
The announcement of the agreement caps days of tension and confusion for families. King had argued that the school board could call a special meeting and vote to cancel school on May 1. A majority of board members aligned with Johnson had supported the teachers union request in an informal closed session vote, but a formal, binding vote never took place.
Mila Koumpilova is Chalkbeat Chicago’s senior reporter covering Chicago Public Schools. Contact Mila at mkoumpilova@chalkbeat.org.
