Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) negotiations with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) have stalled, according to union leaders. CTU President Stacy Davis Gates stated that CPS negotiators now claim they require Board of Education approval before proceeding with economic proposals. This assertion directly contradicts a Cook County judge’s Christmas Eve ruling prohibiting board members from negotiating with the CTU without the consent of CPS CEO Pedro Martinez.
Davis Gates expressed confusion over the apparent shift in negotiating authority, stating, “Either the Board of Education and Pedro are working together on this contract, or Pedro is working alone on this contract. Whatever it is, we need to have a clear understanding of who has the authority and the decision-making.”
In response, CPS officials issued a statement that avoided directly addressing the question of whether board approval is needed for economic proposals. However, the statement reaffirmed CPS’s commitment to negotiating with the CTU and reaching a mutually agreeable contract. They emphasized their dedication to a “fair and sustainable agreement” that acknowledges educators’ contributions while ensuring fiscal responsibility, aligning with the district’s strategic plan, and ultimately prioritizing a positive learning environment for students.