Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Teachers Union reach agreement on longer school day

Near West Side’s STEM Magnet Academy and William H. Brown Elementary will keep longer day

11/04/2011 6:39 PM

By Ben Meyerson
Editor

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After months of acrimonious debate, behind-the-scenes wheeling and dealing, and general rancor Chicago Public Schools officials reached a deal with the Chicago Teachers Union on the longer school day Thursday night.

The deal, which was announced by both sides midday Friday, will let the 13 schools like the Near West Side’s STEM Magnet Academy and William H. Brown Elementary keep the extra 90 minutes in their school day. It also keeps any new schools from extending their day.

The agreement apparently came about after an eight-hour meeting between union officials, school officials and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

“I am happy to report that the CTU, board and mayor came to an agreement to end the dispute over linger school day waivers,” Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said in a statement. “This means that we can get back to the important work of teaching our students and discussing how to best improve our school day.”

Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard said in a statement that the agreement would allow stability at schools that had already extended their day.

“This collaboration allows all pioneer schools adopting a longer school day this year to move forward with an additional 90 minutes of instruction time for subjects like math, reading, art and music,” Brizard said. “It also establishes a critical foundation of working together to assist every CPS school with a longer day next school year.”

STEM Principal Maria McManus said the resolution is a relief for her and her students.

“I’m excited that they were able to make a deal,” McManus said. “I’m just glad all of this is somewhat over. I have bigger fish to fry — I have students to educate.”


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