Statement From Mayor Brandon Johnson on Negotiations Between Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Teachers Union

Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement on the negotiations between Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), indicating a positive direction toward a fair contract for educators. He called a meeting with key leaders from both organizations to facilitate discussions, which he described as productive. Johnson noted that significant progress has been made on three main issues: preparation time for elementary teachers, the current teacher evaluation system, and the retention of veteran educators. He expressed hope that a tentative agreement could be reached soon, emphasizing the impact on students and the broader Chicago community. The potential contract promises various improvements, including smaller class sizes and the addition of librarians in schools.

As a father of public school students and a former teacher himself, Johnson is particularly invested in the outcome. He articulated a vision for sustainable community schools that provide comprehensive support services. The mayor concluded by reflecting on the transformative power of investing in education, citing the success of Dyett Arts as an example.