CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
City teachers and other demonstrators are expected to flood the Chicago Board of Education meeting Wednesday morning with a message: Get it done.
They want the union contract wrapped up in time for the start of fall classes. School starts for most of the CPS system on Sept. 4. Track-E and year-round students began classes last week.
But if there is a teacher walk-out, district officials said they have a contingency plan - but the details have yet to be released.
Union members and parents held a large demonstration outside CTU headquarters Wednesday, to show how much they want contract negotiations wrapped up – fairly.
CTU President Karen Lewis criticized the longer school days imposed by the mayor, and other school board actions thus far at the rally.
"That is how they do everything, flying by the seat of their pants at the last minute - and we wonder why this district is in chaos," Lewis said. "It is much easier to blame the people that actually do the work."
Other union members said they are hopeful things will change but it is not looking good.
Chicago Public Schools released a statement Wednesday, saying the focus is on the children and they are putting them first. They feel that school is off to a great start this year.
They said teachers and students are enthusiastic to be back, the full school day is working, and now is not the time to turn or backs on kids just as they are making progress in the classroom.
The CTU tried to involve the public in its struggle for a new contract Tuesday night.
A group called Parents for Teachers invited community members to the Ravenswood neighborhood for a forum on the contract negotiations.
CTU president Karen Lewis has been telling teachers to prepare for a strike. But Chicago Public School officials are still optimistic.
CPS issued this statement on a contingency plan resolution:
"We always need to put our kids first and that's what
this resolution would do in the event that the Chicago Teachers Union decides to
strike. We want our kids to stay in school with their teachers where they are
benefiting from the Full School Day, but we need to be prepared. Most of our
kids rely on us for their food, and will need a safe environment and to stay
engaged in positive activities. This step is a precaution that we need to take
on their behalf. "
The union will have to give 10 days notice if it decides to strike.
Union members voted to authorize a strike in June, with nearly 90
percent voting to approve the move.
