CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates shared details on the almost finalized new contract. During a discussion, she highlighted the contract’s affordability, reasons for the lengthy negotiation process, and also suggested a suitable candidate for the role of the next CEO of Chicago Public Schools.
Chicago Teachers Union members are celebrating their House of Delegates’ almost unanimous approval of a new contract.
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Davis Gates explained that the contract embodies the vision of former CTU President Karen Lewis, aiming to enhance the quality of education in every neighborhood school. She expressed her enthusiasm for the increased sports budget that will benefit all students.
“An aspect I am particularly excited about is the plan to provide equal resources to all sports teams, including cheerleading and softball, ensuring they receive the same support as the boys’ football team,” Davis Gates emphasized.
CPS officials said they agreed to the sports proposal months ago along with several other CTU proposals.
“We should have had this contract months ago,” CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said.
Contentious contract negotiations lasted a a full year that was defined by turmoil. Mayor Brandon Johnson unsuccessfully tried to oust Martinez and his handpicked school board quit over its refusal to take out a conversional loan.
With uncommitted TIFF surplus money, Martinez claims CPS can afford the four-year deal.
“This is the first time the CEO of the Chicago Public Schools and negotiations has ever said that they could pay for our contract,” Davis Gates said.
However, Davis Gates said more revenue is needed and it should come from rich people.
The push for more funding will fall on the lap of the next CEO. Martinez leaves in June. Davis Gates hopes the mayor conducts a transparent nationwide search.
“I’m concerned, quite frankly, in this moment, about, how do you create a process that gives families the most engagement?” Davis Gates said.
The next big hurdle for Davis Gates is her run at reelection on May 16. While she faces competition, the CTU president said she is looking forward to the election. A new contract achieved without a strike or strike vote is likely to help her chances for a second term.
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According to the terms released by CPS, the four-year tentative agreement includes:
– A 4% raise in year one, and 4-5% increases for the remaining three years
– Increased pay for veteran educators
– 90 new librarians, nurses, 70 technology coordinators, more teacher assistants, bilingual education support and social workers
– New class size limits
– More sustainable schools
– More elementary school teacher prep time
– Doubling the CPS budget for sports
Now that the union has presented the plan to its members and approved it, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez will now present the plan to the CPS Board for a final approval. That process could take a couple of weeks.
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