(The Center Square) – The mayor of Chicago says a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the city’s teachers union is a reflection of his values.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said Tuesday that the deal with the Chicago Teachers Union will help him transform Chicago Public Schools.
“This contract is a reflection of my overall values, as well as what the people of Chicago expect,” Johnson said.
Most CPS students fail to read or perform math at grade level, but Johnson says he wants a school district with resources and community input.
“Dyett High School is a great example of a sustainable community school. When you invest in people and you invest in children, we create champions,” Johnson said.
Dyett, slated for closure in 2015, won the 2A state championship in boys basketball last month.
According to the Illinois State Board of Education’s Illinois Report Card for the 2023-2024 school year, 12% of Dyett students tested at grade level for proficiency in science. Math and English and Language Arts scores were redacted.
Dyett’s chronic absenteeism rate last year was 75%.
The mayor and other members of his administration are facing the ramifications of CPS not reimbursing the city for a $175 million annuity and pension benefit fund payment last month.
Johnson said the vast majority of Chicago Board of Education members recognize that securing retirement for their workers is their responsibility.
“So I’m gonna work with the board members. We’re gonna work with the [Illinois] General Assembly. My office is going to lean in even more, because, look, it’s ultimately on my watch to ensure that we create systems that are economically solvent, and I’m bold enough and audacious enough to actually take on that challenge,” Johnson said.
City Budget Director Annette Guzman said her office is still working with CPS on pension payments.
“We don’t want to leave CPS without a partner while also giving them an obligation, and so I think it behooves all parties to work responsibly together to figure out what is the pathway to ensuring that both of our institutions are not only solvent, but that we are helping CPS towards independence,” Guzman said.
The city would have budget gaps both this year and next year if CPS fails to make pension payments. The agreement with CTU is expected to cost taxpayers about $1.5 billion.
Alderman Raymond Lopez reacted to news of the tentative labor deal with a post on X.
“If @ChiPubSchools has money for $1.5B in raises & new jobs, they should have no problem moving forward addressing their deferred maintenance with the City of Chicago!” Lopez posted.
CPS’s most recent update on negotiations indicated that teachers would be getting 5-6% raises each of the next four years.
CTU delegates are expected to consider the tentative deal Wednesday. If they approve, rank-and-file members of the union would then have the opportunity to cast their votes.
CTU members have been working without a contract since June 30, when their previous deal expired.
Johnson worked as a teacher and CTU operative before he was elected mayor. He said the tentative agreement addressed his concerns about the district offering each child a well-rounded education and protecting veteran teachers.
