‘I’m Scared for Kids in This City’: Yet Another Chicago Public Schools Showdown Leaves Parents Fuming
Shango Johnson is uncertain about which side should be giving in more in the ongoing dispute between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union over the expired teachers contract. Nonetheless, he firmly believes that it is the students in poor schools who are suffering the most.
When Johnson looks at the limited educational opportunities in his South Side neighborhood, he believes that city leaders should prioritize keeping funding in local classrooms, and they should do so quickly.
"I think someone should allocate more money… There are not enough good schools out there," said Johnson, who works as a mentor for elementary school students in the city school system.
However, his desire for greater resources does not necessarily mean that he believes the CTU members should receive larger paychecks.
"Do I believe the teachers should receive more money?," he questioned. "I believe the schools need more money. I believe each school should receive more funding, especially in Englewood."
This week, the battle over the terms of the teachers contract prompted parents, activists, and principals to confront the reality of significant budget cuts to city schools during a time when the state and district are facing financial crises. As this power struggle drags on, parents and community activists are concerned that it will ultimately harm children’s education.
"The students are the ones who suffer," Johnson expressed. "I hope they can come to an agreement."
It became abundantly clear on Monday just how far the two sides are from reaching an agreement when the union’s 40-person "Big Bargaining Team" unanimously rejected the district’s contract offer. The teachers contract expired in June of last year, and negotiations have been ongoing for over a year.
The fact that there was a vote at all briefly hinted to some that the district and the union were making progress, particularly after months of threats from Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool that thousands of teachers might be laid off if they did not receive more funding from state lawmakers or concessions from the union. Teachers, who walked off the job for nine days in 2012, have already voted in favor of a strike, although, according to the law, it is unlikely to occur until mid-May.
"We have no trust in CPS. It fails to fulfill its promises," stated union President Karen Lewis. "We have dealt with a multitude of lies and financial misconceptions that are meant to create a doomsday narrative and give them an excuse to proceed with their austerity agenda."
Claypool referred to the offer, which included small raises, increased teacher contributions to pension and healthcare, a promise to limit the growth of charter schools, and a commitment to avoiding layoffs, as a "true compromise" that requires sacrifices from both sides in order to protect the progress that students are making in their classrooms.
Alana Baum, a parent in the city who voiced her support for the 2012 strike, expressed surprise upon hearing that the union had rejected the latest offer. If the union does not reach a compromise with Chicago Public Schools soon, she fears that the school system may go bankrupt, an outcome that would harm the most disadvantaged students.
"I think it’s becoming increasingly clear that the union needs to work with the city," Baum stated in an interview. "I’m worried for the children in this city. This agreement needs to happen."
Erica Clark, a founder of the pro-union Parents 4 Teachers group, believes that parents understand that good working conditions for the teachers will have a positive impact on their children’s education.
"I think most parents trust their teachers to do what’s best for their profession and their students," she remarked. "We want our teachers to be well compensated, and we want them to receive a fair pension."
Communities United, a grassroots activist group that focuses on social and economic issues in the Northwest side of the city, has organized a forum for teachers, parents, and residents to discuss the potential impact of the budget crisis and explore alternative ways to fund local schools.
Prince expressed his belief that the teachers are planning to go on strike, and he strongly disagrees with the notion that it is for the benefit of the students. He is completely against this idea.
In response to the lack of a teacher contract, Claypool announced on Tuesday that the district would begin discussions with principals regarding $100 million in budget cuts to be made at the school level. This would come after an initial $45 million in cuts to the central office. These school budget cuts would also impact charter schools, as they rely on funding from the district based on their student enrollment.
Furthermore, Claypool stated that the district would save an additional $170 million by no longer contributing 7 percent to the teachers’ pensions. The district believes that this is legally permissible even without a contract. In a letter to the teachers union, Claypool notified them that these cuts would take effect in 30 days.
To provide some context, the school district has previously announced a $1 billion deficit, but requires up to $480 million in order to avoid severe cuts during this school year.
Claypool expressed his desire to avoid these cuts at all costs, but acknowledged that teacher cuts may be inevitable. The district intends to work with schools to maintain small class sizes and minimize disruption during the school year, but this will disproportionately affect school support staff.
The Illinois Network of Charter Schools predicts that charter schools will experience a 4.3 percent reduction in their annual budgets as a result of these funding cuts. Andrew Broy, the president of the network, has reported receiving concerned calls from charter school leaders since the announcement.
Lewis, the union’s representative, responded to Claypool’s comments by holding her own press conference. She declared the union’s intention to file unfair labor practice charges and organized a rally to support teachers. Additionally, the union plans to withdraw its funds from Bank of America, citing imprudent interest agreements with the school district.
In addition to the ongoing conflict between the union and the district, Republican Governor Bruce Rauner suggested that the state may seize control of the school district due to the failure to negotiate a contract with the union. Two Republican lawmakers have proposed legislation to allow the state to take over the district and permit the school system to declare bankruptcy. However, given the Democratic control of the state legislature, this proposal faces considerable challenges.
Both Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Lewis expressed strong opposition to the idea of a state takeover of the public schools. They highlighted Governor Rauner’s inability to pass his own state budget and his rejection of proposals from Democratic lawmakers.
Dick Simpson, a former city alderman and politics professor, observed that the state’s financial situation may improve after the March primary election. At that point, the governor would no longer be able to financially support opponents of Republican lawmakers who are willing to compromise with Democrats on the state’s budget. In theory, these lawmakers could also work towards a resolution for Chicago Public Schools’ revenue problems.
Johnson, an Englewood parent, remains hopeful that any resolution to the conflict will not lead to further cuts in school budgets for the already struggling schools on the South Side. These schools are dealing with deteriorating infrastructure and financial neglect.
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