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Jean-Claude Brizard
PI Original
by Matthew Blake
6:24pm
Mon Jun 11, 2012
3 comments

What's Next After CTU Strike Authorization Vote

Labor

The Chicago Teachers Union announced today that – by a wide margin – its members are prepared to strike if the union and Chicago Public Schools management cannot agree on a contract before the 2012-13 school year begins. The vote does not mean a strike is imminent, even with CPS and CTU escalating their public rhetoric, and the parties being significantly apart on teacher raises and other issues.

Quick Hit
by Matthew Blake
10:49am
Thu May 24, 2012

CTU Throws Down The Gauntlet In Fiery Rally (VIDEO)

Teacher union leaders staged a charged rally in downtown Chicago yesterday punctuated by Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis asking the assembled crowd, “What are we here for?” and the crowd chanting back, “Strike!”

Kristie Mayle, financial secretary of CTU, did say that the union is still negotiating with the Chicago Public Schools over a collective bargaining contract that expires June 30. But the clear message yesterday was one of fierce acrimony toward Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Also, speakers portrayed CTU on the front line of a national battle to preserve labor union rights.

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Quick Hit
by Matthew Blake
10:16am
Thu Mar 29, 2012

State, Not Board of Ed., May Provide Check On CPS

The Chicago Teachers Union and community activists are enraged that the Board of Education rubber stamped school closings and turnarounds -- they want Chicago voters, not the Chicago Mayor, to elect the board. But if the mayor-appointed board has uncritically adopted Chicago Public Schools policies, the Illinois General Assembly hasn’t.

One year after passing a landmark education reform law that increased CPS powers, some lawmakers now want to rein in the school district’s ability to shut down schools or fire staff. Read more »

Quick Hit
by Matthew Blake
4:53pm
Mon Mar 12, 2012
1 comment

Legal Challenge Continues Over CPS School Actions

A Cook County judge Friday threw out a lawsuit by a group of Local School Council members regarding school actions by the Chicago Public Schools. But the narrow ruling invites further legal challenge. The plaintiffs will now make an amended complaint before March 24, and also plan to take federal action against the Chicago Board of Education. Read more »

Quick Hit
by Brandon Campbell
10:54am
Thu Feb 23, 2012

CPS Turnarounds, School Closings Approved Amid Public Criticism (VIDEO)

The Chicago Board Education unanimously approved Wednesday night to close, phase out, or turnaround 17 academically struggling Chicago public schools.

A school slated for turnaround will see its entire staff – teachers, librarians, and principal – completely replaced.

Activists said CPS’s decision targets a disproportionate number of schools whose student populations are made up of predominantly low-income black and Latino students. They warn that turnarounds will destabilize an already fragile learning environment for these students.

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