Despite Objections Chicago Public Schools Will Reopen Monday

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Friday said public schools will return to in-person learning on Monday over the objections from the Chicago Teachers Union and aldermen.

Lightfoot said Chicago Public School officials will push ahead with reopening classrooms starting with 6,000 preschool students on Monday because remote learning is not sustainable "over the long term, because it does not serve every student equally, especially those students who are younger, who require additional help and support and simply don’t have access to a sustainable learning environment."

Lightfoot urged elected officials who have objected to reopening schools to visit classrooms to see for themselves the work that has been done to make sure school buildings are safe, and observe remote learning classrooms to witness how some students are struggling.

"The challenge of trying to get some of our youngest learners to master Zoom ... to be able to mute and unmute themselves, to be able to actually engage as a class on remote learning are profound. ... Remote learning works for some who have a lot of support, who have a parent or adult at home who can help them stay focused, who can help them with the technological glitches that invariably come. It does not work absent that kind of support and environment," Lightfoot said.

That's why CPS will not offer parents the option to return to in-person learning.

“What’s gotten lost in a lot of the noise here is that it’s an option ... we have an obligation to support that selection, that choice,” the mayor said. “To deny parents this option is irresponsible and wrong. It just is.”

Chicago Teachers Union leaders say they don't trust the school system's promises to make buildings staff for students and staff. On Monday, about half of teachers who were assigned to report to work in preparation for the reopening of in-person learning didn't show up. CTU President Jesse Sharkey said members don't feel safe and are scared to return to work. He told reporters Tuesday that claims of coronavirus safety precautions made by school system leaders lack credibility.

Since then, Jackson said, there has been an uptick in teacher attendance. Teachers and staff who don't show up for in-person assignments on Monday will be considered absent without permission and "ineligible for pay going forward."

“To our teachers and our staff, we look forward to seeing you on Monday. I want you to know I have absolutely heard you. I know you are anxious; I know many of you are scared. I understand that. ... I also know you care deeply about our children ... We have and will continue to take every step in our power to keep everyone in schools safe," Lightfoot said during a Friday news conference.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.