New Graduate Courses Available through the CTU Quest Center
September 1, 2010
Important Information for Members with Dependent Children (updated 9-1-2010):
Members with children ages 19 to 22 must send documentation to CPS Employee Benefits to have their health coverage reinstated if the dependent child had been dropped. The final date is September 15th with coverage resuming Oct. 1st with benefits retroactive to September 1st.
You will need to provide the following documentation to CPS:
If your child is a full-time student in:
-High school, provide a statement from the school clerk or principal verifying that the child is a student.
-An accredited college or university, provide a letter from the registrar’s office/student schedule on letterhead documenting enrollment for the current term with 12 or more credit hours.
If your child is a tax dependent, you must provide:
-A notarized Employee Certification Form (Download the form by clicking the link.)
If your child is a disabled dependent, you must provide:
-A dependent disability certification form
Faxes are accepted for student status documentation only and you can fax them to either 773-553-2821 or 773-553-2425; please make certain that your name and ID number is listed on the documentation submitted. In the event you are submitting the documentation in person, please submit it at 320 N. Elizabeth – 1st fl.
This is the final deadline. If you do not follow these procedures your child will be dropped from insurance. You will then have to wait until open enrollment in November with coverage beginning in January.
Any questions e-mail Annette Rizzo, Health and Benefits Coordinator at annetterizzo@ctulocal1.com.
Chicago Teachers Union
cordially invites you to join us for:
"Teacher Appreciation Night" at the ballpark.
CTU has 5,000 complimentary tickets available to CTU members, courtesy of the Chicago Cubs, Major League Baseball, and the Players' Association.
Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants
Wednesday, September 22, 7:05 p.m.
All ticket requests must be received no later than Tuesday, September 7. Ticket requests (only 2 per member) will be honored on a first-come, first served basis.
Please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
Carolyn Fulton
Chicago Teachers Union
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 400
Chicago, Illinois 60654-1016
CPS Firings Target Highly Qualified Tenured Teachers
Only 13% May Return to the Classroom.
August 27, 2010
At Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, CPS officials said they would “rescind the layoffs” of high school teachers who were terminated due to class size increases. CPS officials said they were able to “restore the average high school class size to 31 students” thanks to a one-time influx of $106 million federal funds earmarked for rehiring teachers. But according to data dragged out of CPS by the CTU over the past month, and receiving partial data on 658 Regular Track school firings on 8/24/10, that means that 167 of the 1322 teachers fired, or 13%, may be returned to their classrooms (see attached table). According to an 8/25/2010 CPS press release, CPS claimed to “restore class sizes to 31” with the $106 million federal funds.
“This is an increase. Contractual high school class size is 28, not 31. CPS is increasing class size. That is unacceptable,” said President Karen Lewis.
Who will fill the remainder of the 1155 positions remains unknown.
“CPS chose to unlawfully fire tenured teachers to weaken schools, plain and simple,” said Lewis who stated that 83% of the 426 Track E fired teachers were tenured. It is assumed that nearly all of the 238 fired city-wide coaches were also tenured, but CPS has not released that data. All CPS teachers are on probation during their first three years of teaching and can be fired at any time without cause. In their fourth year, teachers become tenured and are given the right to defend themselves against disciplinary actions which could lead to losing their jobs. “It’s not a guarantee, but at least tenure offers teachers some protections from arbitrary and retaliatory dismissals,” said Lewis.
“Parents and students should be outraged that CPS clearly targeted tenured teachers. Without tenured teachers, students are at increased risk. Tenured teachers strongly advocate for students’ legal right to full services, such as those for special needs students and English language learners. Tenured teachers enforce class size limits, safety and student discipline matters. Tenured teachers review the school’s budget to ensure the money goes to students in the classroom. These daily battles for students’ equal educational rights may put tenured teachers at odds with policies of certain principals or the Board of Education that harm students,” said Lewis.
No matter how the courts decide in September, CTU members will document new hires and all staffing changes in each and every building for a class action grievance.
Chicago Public Schools Teacher Firings, Summer 2010 |
|||||||
School/ Position Category |
Total # (%) |
Tenured |
REASON FOR TERMINATION |
||||
1st Wave of Firings (6/16-29/2010) |
|||||||
City-wide: Teacher Coaches, Special Education-OSS, and Home/ Hospital-based |
236 |
Unknown. Due to position, however, nearly all are likely tenured. |
Redefinition - 81 (34%) |
||||
2nd Wave of Firings |
|||||||
|
Total # |
Tenured |
Reallocation of Funds |
Program Reduction |
Redefinition |
Enrollment Drop |
Class Size Increase |
Track E Schools |
426 |
352 |
153 |
146 |
63 |
34 |
25 |
3rd Wave of Firings |
|||||||
Regular Track Schools |
658 |
Unknown |
161 |
236 |
98 |
None |
142 |
TOTAL |
1322 |
|
|
|
|
|
167 |
The Chicago Facilities Task Force Needs You
August 26th, 2010
The Chicago Educational Facilities Task Force (CEFTF), created by HB 363, the “Soto Bill” brings together legislators and representatives of teachers, principals, the Chicago Public School system, and community-based education advocacy groups to analyze past CPS practices and recommend reforms to the Illinois General Assembly.
On August 26th, 2010 Task Force members, led by Representative Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago), toured three school sites that have been affected by CPS school actions (Whittier, Attucks, Carpenter). During this tour, community members shared their stories of how CPS’ arbitrary facilities decisions have displaced educators, students and destroyed school communities. They made recommendations for improving how CPS makes these decisions.
Now we urge you to share your stories and take part in this historic process. The task force will solicit input from community stakeholders at a series of hearings. Testimony will be used to craft legislation to ensure that every student has equal access to school facilities and a great education.
Upcoming Public Hearing Schedule
- August 31, 4:00 – 7:00 pm; Northern Trust Bank (7801 S. State St.)
- Sept. 25, 10:00 am–2:00 pm; Garfield Park Fieldhouse (100 N. Central Park Ave.)
- Sept. 28, 4:00 – 7:00 pm; Diabetes Improvement Center (2753 W. Division St.)
These meetings are open to the public. People who were personally affected by CPS actions will have an opportunity to submit verbal or written testimony.
CTU and Allies, "Put TIF Money Back into Schools!"
State Representative John Fritchey Announces Plan to overhaul TIFs
August 24, 2010
On Sunday, Rep. John Fritchey (D-11th), joined by students and representatives from Raise Your Hand and CTU, held a press conference where he announced a plan to overhaul TIFs, using a three-part approach:
1. Require an Annual Reimbursement of Surplus TIF Funds
2. Exempt the Chicago Board of Education from any Future TIF Districts
3. Direct the Auditor General to Perform a Comprehensive Audit of TIF Districts
ABC-7 Report on the press conference
CPS to Hold Some Class Sizes to 28
CTU Holds the Line and Board Does Not Talk Concessions
August 20, 2010
The Chicago Board of Education was paying attention when the CTU House of Delegates voted “no” to concessions at the August 11th special meeting. The Board did not mention concessions once during yesterday’s bargaining session with CTU’s 40-member negotiating team. The Board’s lawyers said they would cap some high school class sizes at 28 – mainly core classes such as English, math, science and social studies -- but only for the regular track schools that start September 7th. 300-400 teachers might be rehired.
“It’s a small step in the right direction, but when dealing with the Board’s lawyers, the devil’s always in the details. One major detail overlooked by their lawyers is that Chicago Public Schools received $100 million from the federal government to rehire at minimum 1,000 laid-off teachers. This doesn’t come close,” said Karen Lewis, President of the Chicago Teachers Union.
“The Board needs to get to work. They’ve made a mess and they’re going to have to clean it up. Hiring back all of our members who were wrongfully terminated is not a matter of if, or who, but when,” said Lewis, who added that, “I hope the Board realizes that parents and students will not quietly tolerate one substitute, one placeholder, or one new hire this school year,” said Lewis.
In the meantime, if you receive a call or letter of displacement, honorable dismissal, or layoff :
- It is not official until you have received a letter from the Human Capital department of CPS. In the event you do not receive a letter confirming your displacement, you must report to your school until you receive the notice from Human Capital, even if you receive a call from your principal.
- If you do not report to your school, the CPS or your principal can discipline you after 10 missed workdays.
- Verify your certification and endorsements. Are they up-to-date?
- Contact your field representative at the Chicago Teachers Union immediately. Their contact information is available here.
- If you do not know who your field representative is, ask the receptionist at 312.329.9100 and she will direct your call.
- Fax a copy of your termination letter to your Field Representative immediately at 312.329.6203 and ask them to file a grievance. You may be eligible for our federal lawsuit.
- Fill out the survey for Dismissed Teachers*
- If you believe that you have special circumstances with your termination, please notify your field representative in writing as soon as possible.
*PSRP survey available soon.
Back to the Table: Round Three
August 19, 2010
Foreground: Bargaining team members Jennifer Johnson and Rivanna Jihan recap the last "budget talk" as they prepare for today's session in the CTU Executive Board Room. Background (left-to-right): Christina Herzog (CPS Budget Director) Jim Franczek (Board counsel), and Mike Baldwin (CTU Financial Officer).
Chicago Teachers Union officers and the 40-member bargaining team will meet with CPS today to resolve issues surrounding teacher and PSRP firings and layoffs.
We will keep you posted on our website, Twitter, and Facebook. Click here to sign up for e-mail updates.
"Cuts Hurt Kids"
Unprecedented Number of Stakeholders Attend the First CPS Budget Hearing
August 18, 2010
Over one hundred teachers, parents, students, and other champions of public education attended last night’s CPS budget hearing at Lane Tech High School. The meeting was held for the public to express their concerns and ask questions related to the CPS proposed budget for 2010-2011. Diana Ferguson, Chief Financial Officer of the CPS and Christina Herzog, Budget Director, hosted the event.
Over 30 members of the public signed up to speak. Ferguson made it very clear that neither she nor Herzog would answer any questions, but public comments would be “on the record” and that answers to the public’s questions will be available on the CPS website “as soon as possible.”
Although the speakers asked questions and commented on subjects as varied as TIFs, proper use of funds from the Education Jobs Bill, and cuts in art and special education; there was a common theme for the evening. The theme was summed up by CTU staff member and terminated teacher John Kugler, “cuts hurt kids."
Speakers criticized the Board for abusing the public’s trust by making risky investments, hiring high-priced bureaucrats, and making students take the losses. Senn High School teacher Brian Galaviz derided the Board for sending no decision-makers to the hearing “This is the CPS MO, you write a report and do nothing about it.”
Despite the federal government passing a bill that would stop the cuts, we still need the public to ensure that the CPS is using our money to fund quality education for all students. There are two more hearings scheduled this week. Arrive by 6:00 PM to speak. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you will have an opportunity to speak. CTU representatives will be at each meeting, advocating for our members and our students.
2011 Proposed Budget Hearings
Wednesday, August 18
Westinghouse High School
3223 W Franklin Blvd
Registration begins at 6:00 p.m.
Hearing begins at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 19
Corliss High School
821 E. 103rd St.
Registration begins at 6:00 p.m.
Hearing begins at 7:00 p.m.
Court Fast Tracks CTU Lawsuit Against the Board of Education
August 18, 2010
The lawsuit brought by the Chicago Teachers Union against the Chicago Board of Education on August 2, 2010 (Case No. 10-cv-485), and advanced by the union’s motion for preliminary injunction filed August 13, 2010, was expedited today, August 17, 2010. U.S. District Court Judge David Coar scheduled a September 15, 2010 hearing to arrive at a permanent resolution of the case which is now focused on teachers’ due process rights.
Noting that the Chicago Teachers Union is eager to have the court weigh in on the legality of the Board’s current firing of nearly 1,000 members, CTU attorney Tom Geoghegan stated, “The case is on a fast track, and we look forward to every dismissed tenured teacher being reinstated to their positions. The CTU’s legal team will present the union’s case in full on September 15th and we hope to receive a swift and favorable decision.”
Tomorrow, the CTU Bargaining Team will go back into talks with the Board. Check this website for updates.
Notice to Displaced Teachers
August 17, 2010
The CTU is working on a way to prevent a "break in service" in Union membership for displaced teachers. Please check this website for updates. If you haven't already, please fill out our Dismissed Teacher Survey.* Click here to sign up for e-mail updates.
*PSRP survey coming soon.
CPS Budget Hearings
Let's Show CPS Our Priorities!
The CPS scheduled three community hearings this week to present the proposed budget for 2011. The budget is a list of spending priorities for the CPS. As stakeholders who serve students everyday and see firsthand what CPS spending looks like in real terms, shouldn't we be at the table? Let's take our rightful place. Arrive by 6:00 PM to speak. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you will have an opportunity to speak. CTU representatives will be at each meeting, advocating for our members and our students.
2011 Proposed Budget Hearings
Tuesday, August 17
Lane Tech High School
2501 W. Addison St.
Registration begins at 6:00 p.m.
Hearing begins at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 18
Westinghouse High School
3223 W Franklin Blvd
Registration begins at 6:00 p.m.
Hearing begins at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 19
Corliss High School
821 E. 103rd St.
Registration begins at 6:00 p.m.
Hearing begins at 7:00 p.m.
Is Your Classroom Too Hot?-Updated 8/16/2010
The Track E School Year Begins amidst a Week of Excessive Heat Warnings
August 13, 2010
The CPS is contractually-obligated to provide a safe working environment for CTU members and a safe learning environment for our students. Excessive heat can be deadly. Teachers have urged the CPS use "snow days" to cancel classes at some of the Track E schools that do not have adequate air conditioning, where temperatures can rise well above 90 degrees. The CPS refuses and insists that "schools are the safest place for children to be, even under these extreme circumstances..."
If your classroom is too hot, document the temperatures, take pictures of the condition of your room, and contact Jackson Potter at the jacksonpotter@ctulocal1.com.
You can also issue a complaint through the Department of Labor. Download the safety complaint form here.
Update 8/16/2010-CTU filed a grievance against the Board of Education based on article 44-9 of the CONTRACT, which states, "Teachers or other bargaining unit members shall work under safe and healthful working conditions."
Click here to view the grievance.
President Lewis Defends CPS Teachers
States Chicago Tribune Editorial Board Hit "New Low" in Rant
From the August 15th edition of the Chicago Tribune:
Bashing teachers
The Chicago Tribune editorial board hit a new low in its rant "Save the best teachers" (Editorial, Aug. 5). Clearly fact-checkers took a bye on this muckraking piece and the editors chose to neglect their duty to advocate for the welfare of Chicago's children so they could freely advance a different agenda: teacher bashing.
The Chicago Teachers Union filed suit against the Chicago Board of Education to ask the courts to intervene in a lawless move by the board. The layoffs include 239 career teachers who were summarily fired without due process. Exactly 214 of these teachers, or 90 percent, were recognized by Chicago Public Schools for outstanding classroom work with students and invited to become "teachers of teachers" to help others affect children's lives in the same profound way. A cursory read of the CTU's lawsuit seeking injunctive relief — to cease and desist all firings and provide each teacher with due process hearings as outlined in the CTU-Chicago Board contract — would have clarified that point for the Tribune's editors. They would have seen that the lawsuit serves to protect students from the traumatic loss of their teachers.
Apparently the Tribune was unconcerned with the facts. Nor did the Tribune check its facts on the 241 teacher firings under Washington, D.C., schools chief Michelle Rhee, citing that 165 were "judged as the worst teachers in the system." It turns out only one-third of those dismissed teachers received poor ratings on a newly installed teacher evaluation system that has been proven neither valid nor reliable.
But that would make the Tribune's persistent teacher-bashing, under the guise of protecting students, moot.
Can the editors truly make the next leap in their logic? That laying off 239 expert career teachers this year while Teach for America novices, 80 percent of whom will leave the classroom in fewer than three years, remain in classrooms, is in the best interest of students?
Those of us who actually have spent some time in the classroom know the difference that a consistent career teacher makes in the lives of students — many of whom do not have consistent adult support in their lives beyond the classroom.
It is difficult to understand whom the Tribune is trying to protect here.
— Karen G.J. Lewis, president, Chicago Teachers Union
CTU at the Bud Billiken Day Parade
After a Hiatus, CTU is Back in Full Force!
On Saturday, August 14, 2010, CTU members marched with parents and students at the Bud Billiken Day Parade to celebrate the coming school year. The CTU's theme this year was "Bringing Joy Back into the Classroom." Despite staffing and budget cuts, the tone of the parade was celebratory.
We are optimistic that the CTU's organizing plan will bring the collective issues shared by educators and students to the forefront. "We were thrilled to hear cheers from parents, grandparents, and our students. As we headed down the parade route, many teachers commented that it felt like teacher appreciation day," said Financial Secretary Kristine Mayle.
Interested in National Board Certification?
The next recruitment session will be held November 3, 2010 from 4:00-7:30 PM. Save the Date!
Click here for more information.
House of Delegates Votes “No” to Concessions
Delegates Show their Strength through Unity at Emergency Meeting
August 12, 2010
The House of Delegates, the supreme decision-making body of the Chicago Teachers Union, convened an emergency meeting last night to vote to accept or reject concessions proposed by the Chicago Board of Education. The Union's Executive Board presented three options; two proposed by the Board of Education that would require contract concessions, and one recommended by the Executive Board that would reject all concessions. The House of Delegates voted unanimously to reject concessions from the Board of Education and broke into thunderous applause.
“I don’t care if I lose my job, do not give in to those people.” President Lewis relayed this message from a CTU activist who was unable to attend the meeting because she is working as a volunteer Union organizer this summer. President Lewis read over a list of concessions the Board proposed included demands like: give up the contractually-obligated raises, unpaid breaks, and no pay increases for gaining additional years of experience of education.
President Lewis explained how the Education Jobs Bill, which was just signed into law, will bring approximately $138 million into the CPS. During budget talks, the Board claimed that $100 million could save 1,000 positions. She said that Huberman can stop holding job fairs and can start calling back teachers who were terminated.
Many members were wondering how the new CTU leadership was going to handle the concessions proposed by the Board. CTU leadership organized this emergency meeting to make sure that elected representatives of the membership, the delegates, made the decision.
President Lewis will bring the message to the Board. “The House of Delegates is my boss, I’m just the messenger,” she explained.
“I feel energized, this meeting was down-to-business and ended in a unanimous vote,” explained McAuliffe delegate Scott McNulty, “We didn’t just say ‘aye,’ we shouted our vote!”
The next House of Delegates meeting is scheduled for September 15th at International Union of Operating Engineers, located at 2260 South Grove Street, Chicago. All members are encouraged to attend. To prove membership, members should bring their Union card or a paycheck stub indicating dues paid.
CTU Calls on CPS to Do the Right Thing:
Hire Back Cut Teachers and Support Personnel
August 11, 2010
“Right now, CPS is creating an unconscionable man-made educational disaster by raising class sizes to 33 students and dismissing up to 2,000 teachers and paraprofessionals. These acts will harm thousands of children. CPS needs to do the right thing. CPS must demand that the Mayor return TIF funds to schools, that the state legislature pays its bills, and that the $100 million from the federal government is spent solely on hiring back educators. It’s time to stop this brinkmanship that risks our children’s futures,” said CTU President Karen Lewis. “When political agendas substitute for education policy, children suffer.”
The federal education jobs bill, combined with recovered tax increment financing monies due Chicago Public Schools, will provide CPS with approximately $400 million in additional funding. According to the Chicago Teachers Union, that sum more than satisfies CPS’s undocumented $370 million shortfall this year.
In addition to the above revenue sources, the Chicago Teachers Union has found nearly $150 million in cost-savings from the newly released CPS budget. “Why spend $125 million to build another selective enrollment school? Jones College Prep should stay where it is. Also, CPS plans to spend $20 million more than is mandated on excessive testing. One test a year – that’s all teachers and students can meaningfully use,” said Lewis. Lewis also called for an end to no-bid contracts and sweetheart bond issuances earmarked for Chicago “charter chains”.
This Saturday, Join the CTU at the Bud Billiken Parade
Each school year we inspire our students to reach for the sky. Bud Billiken Day is our chance to honor their talents. Let's celebrate our special day in the neighborhood.
Bud Billiken Day Parade and CTU-Sponsored Picnic
August 14th, 2010
10:00 AM-3:00 PM
The parade will begin at 10:00AM and starts at 39th and King Drive and ends at 55th and Ellsworth. The CTU is sponsoring a picnic behind Dyett High School (555 E. 51st St). We will provide food, but feel free to bring your own to share.
Shuttle buses will be available in the White Castle parking lot, located at 35th and King Drive, from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.
From the CTU Legislative Department:
August 10, 2010
Thank you for calling your elected officials to pass the Education Jobs Bill. They heard you. The House of Representatives returned from recess to pass $26 billion in aid to school districts and states to prevent massive layoffs.
For CPS, this means approximately $100 million to save CPS educator jobs. This is the same amount of money that the Board of Education claimed they needed to stave off massive staff cuts in the CPS. We assume that this injection of money will eliminate the need to layoff CTU members. Please call and e-mail President Obama, Senators Burris and Durbin, and your representative to thank them and ask them to hold CPS accountable in keeping a great teacher in every classroom.
Click here to contact President Barack Obama
Sen. Dick Durbin (D)
Phone: (202) 224-2152; Fax: (202) 228-0400
Sen. Roland Burris (D)
Phone: 202-224-2854 Fax: 202-228-3333
Click here to find your representative.
Teachers to Lobby Aldermen to Put TIF Money Back into Schools
Displaced Teachers Lillian Perteete and Patricia Breckenridge call their alderman to request a meeting.
CTU Hosts Aldermanic Outreach Training for CTU Volunteer Organizers.
August 6, 2010
The CTU is taking multiple measures to make sure that there is a great teacher in front of every classroom on day one. Aldermanic outreach is one facet of this campaign. Over a dozen CTU rank-and-file members engaged in aldermanic outreach training at the CTU offices today. Madeline Talbott, lead organizer for Action Now facilitated.
The specific goal is mobilizing members to lobby their Aldermen to sponsor an ordinance declaring a TIF surplus and redirecting that surplus into schools, which can be used to offset the budget shortfall claimed by the Board of Education, putting teachers back into their classrooms. The timeliness of this strategy is prime for two reasons: TIFs have come under heavy scrutiny , and nearly one-third of City Council may turn over this upcoming election cycle. Some believe that this will allow departing aldermen to become bolder in their approach to the Mayor, who is a chief proponent of TIFs.
Talbott began the training explaining how to get a foot in the door at an aldermanic office. She explained how some aldermen have more of an open-door policy than others. Like any good teacher, Talbott used the strategy of “modeling” to show how residents can be polite, yet firm when calling aldermen. After calling Alderman Laurino’s office, she directed volunteers to do the same on their own. In her words, “This is not a question of expertise, it’s just doing it.”
She told the volunteers, “Don’t be afraid to say what you really care about. The aldermen need to know what would make you happy.”
Lillian Perteete, a displaced college and career coach attended the meeting, which she described as “very informative.” She attended the meeting because after she was displaced and denied access to the reassignment pool, she decided to “get in the fight.” She wants to see every CTU member schedule a meeting with their alderman and advocate to put TIF money back into schools.
She recommended members attend the next aldermanic outreach training, which will be held on Thursday, August 12th at 2:00 PM at the CTU offices in Merchandise Mart. RSVP to Norine Gutekanst norinegutekanst@ctulocal1.com if you plan to attend.
CTU Cares: Apply for the CTU Student Special Assistance Fund
Limited help available for qualifying students.
August 6, 2010
Each year, the CTU accepts applications for students who are in need of clothing, hearing aids, or eyeglasses.
The CTU will only accept 5 applications per elementary school and 10 per high school and only one per family.
Please review the following steps to apply for this assistance.
1. The union delegate should contact Connie Thorps at 312-329-6259 or conniethorps@ctulocal1.com to request an application. A parent or guardian must complete the application and mail it back to the Union office:
Chicago Teachers Union
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, #400
Chicago, Illinois 60654
2. The application is given to the Student Special Assistance Fund committee for review. If the student is approved for assistance, the delegate will be notified and will receive an invoice to be given to the student.
3. The parent/guardian must call Carson Pirie Scott to make an appointment to select clothing.
4. The parent/guardian will surrender the invoice to the store, who will forward it to CTU requesting payment.
5. Upon receipt of payment, Carson Pirie Scott will notify the parent/guardian and make arrangements to pick up the clothing
You can download these instructions here.
*All official information from the Chicago Teachers Union will have the official CTU logo attached. The Union will not release official information through personal correspondence in print or electronic form. There has been some confusion over the Student Special Assistance Fund. Students must be accepted through the application process to qualify for this assistance.
Video: CTU Pickets the Board of Education 7-28-2010
Click here for the full story.
Let's Be Part of the Solution.
The Chicago Educational Facilities Task Force to Meet August 10th.
When the Illinois General Assembly passed HB 363 (known as the "Soto" bill), it established the "Chicago Educational Facilities Task Force." The purpose of this task force was, according to the Illinois State Board of Education,
“… to ensure that school facility-related decisions are made with the input of the community and reflect educationally sound and fiscally responsible criteria. The task force, with the help of independent experts, will analyze past Chicago experiences and data with respect to school openings, school closings, school consolidations, school turnarounds, school phase-outs, school construction, school repairs, school modernizations, school boundary changes, and other related school facility decisions on students; consult widely with stakeholders, including public officials, about these facility issues and their related costs; and examine relevant best practices from other school systems for dealing with these issues systematically and equitably.”
All stakeholders should attend. Public participation is scheduled at the beginning of the meeting. Let's take our place at the table.
Meeting Details:
Chicago Educational Facilities Task Force
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
9:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Bilandic Building, 160 N. LaSalle St., Chicago
Room N-505
ID required to enter.
Call-in number: (605) 475-4900
Participant Access Code: 1061293#
Emergency House of Delegates Meeting-Correction
The Emergency House of Delegates Meeting scheduled for August 11th, 2010 will begin at 4:00 PM, not 3:00 PM as stated in a letter sent to delegates. We apologize for this inconvenience.
CTU Stands with Chicago Jobs with Justice to Demand an Immediate Intervention in our Economic Crisis.
On Friday August 6th, the latest unemployment figures will be released and Congress begins its next recess.
Chicago Jobs with Justice will be in the street demanding that Wall Street pay to clean up the mess they created. Let's tell Congress to put America back to work!
Economic Crisis: Emergency Action/Rally
Friday, August 6th
11:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M.
LaSalle and Jackson
Illinois Families to Pay No State Sales Tax on School Supplies from August 6th through 15th
August 4, 2010
This year, the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Pat Quinn made it a little easier for our students to arrive prepared on day one. The state passed its first-ever sales tax holiday, which will waive state sales tax on school supplies and some clothing. This is the type of relief that working families need during these difficult financial times.
Between August 6th and August 15th, the five percent state portion of sales tax will be waived. This does not apply to local government sales taxes. The waiver applies to all of the supplies schools require on day one and clothing that costs less than $100 per item. The holiday will not apply to computers, computer accessories, or extracurricular supplies.
Chicago Teachers Union Files Suit Against Chicago Public Schools
August 3, 2010
On Monday, August 2nd, the Chicago Teachers Union filed suit in federal court in Chicago to stop the arbitrary dismissals of hundreds of teachers and support staff by Chicago Public Schools. The suit alleges that the Board is dismissing some of the city’s most qualified teachers in a manner that violates the rights of CTU members to procedural due process under the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution as well as their rights under the labor contract. The suit seeks reinstatement of all teachers and support staff who have been dismissed to date. It also seeks to hold off all further dismissals until the CTU’s contractual claims can be arbitrated.
According to Karen Lewis, CTU President, “The Board has fired, is firing and threatens to continue firing teachers capriciously, callously and without legal grounds. Chicagoans have a right to a quality public education but Board’s actions, coupled with the City’s and State’s continued financial neglect of our public schools, works against quality schools. We are fighting for our members and student rights on moral, contractual and constitutional grounds.”
Click here to read the lawsuit.
A Message from the CTU Legislative Office:
August 3, 2010
CTU Brothers and Sisters,
Thanks in part to your grassroots involvement, the House passed the Obey Amendment which provided $10 billion for educator jobs and cut from privatization programs such as Race to the Top, the Teacher Incentive Fund and Charter School Grants. The measure did not pass the Senate, but now we have another chance to save our students and our jobs.
The U.S. Senate will vote TOMORROW (Wednesday, August 4th) on an Education Jobs Bill. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has scheduled a vote for an amendment to the small business bill (H.R. 5297) that would provide $10 billion to save approximately 135,000 education jobs jeopardized by state and local budget cuts. This amendment is fully funded and would provide Illinois with approximately $400 million saving nearly 6000 jobs.
Contact your Senator NOW and tell them to vote YES to education jobs amendment to the small business bill (H.R. 5297). Both calling and emailing are important.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D)
Phone: (202) 224-2152; Fax: (202) 228-0400
Sen. Roland Burris (D)
Phone: 202-224-2854 Fax: 202-228-3333
60 votes are needed to save this provision. We must have every vote. Remember to speak with both Senators. Then contact your friends in other states to get them involved too. They can use the Congressional Switchboard at 1-866-608-6355.
We are facing an education crisis, with hundreds of thousands of educators being laid off, class sizes growing, and programs critical to students’ success being cut or eliminated. Our students’ education and the future of our nation are at stake!
Xian Barrett
Interim CTU Legislative Coordinator
Civil Rights Groups Take Lead on NCLB Reauthorization
August 3, 2010
President Obama made it a priority to reform the Elementary and Second Education Act (ESEA), the law that is better known as the "No Child Left Behind Act." Many of the President's proposals will drastically alter education in America. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan maintains that education is the "civil rights issue of our generation."
The NAACP Legal Defense Fund agrees that education is a civil rights issue. However, in a report issued last week, they stated that many of the President's proposals, which are also key elements of the Department of Education's "Race to the Top" program, are detrimental to minority and low-income students.
The report outlines five priorities for Congress in the reauthorization of the law:
- ESEA should provide support for school districts that seek to promote diversity.
- ESEA should hold schools accountable for educating all students by discouraging reliance on exclusionary disciplinary policies and encouraging proactive steps to improve graduation rates.
- “Common Resource Standards” should be created to track whether states and districts provide adequate and equitable instructional resources to all student populations.
- Development of a pipeline of highly effective teachers, especially for those school districts serving low-income communities of color.
- Congress should require that ESEA and other federal laws apply fully to all schools, including alternative schools, charter schools, and preschools.
Chicago Teachers Union Bargaining Team Meets with the Board of Education: Day 2
Board and CTU agree to study TIF impact.
July 30, 2010
After a three-hour meeting today between the Chicago Teachers Union’s 40-member bargaining team and Chicago Public Schools’ legal and budget experts, both parties agreed to the creation of two special task forces that will “sit at the same table with the same documents to find sa
vings and examine in detail the effect TIFs have on Chicago’s public schools,” reported CTU President Karen Lewis.
At today’s meeting, Lewis questioned Mr. Franczek, the Board of Education’s lawyer, about the addition of recently expired TIFs to CPS revenue figures because “every million counts when the true goal is to keep classroom sizes low with highly qualified, experienced teachers at the front of those classrooms.” Four TIFs expire in 2010 and 2011 which will give CPS over $50 million in additional property taxes in 2011 and 2012.
Mrs. Lewis added, “I wish I could state that the Board answered all of our questions and earlier document requests, but this is the first step in the right direction. These task forces, however, must be substantive and focus on improving teaching and learning in Chicago.”
Over 100 Picket the Board of Education to Fight the Cuts to Staff and Services
July 28, 2010
Teachers, parents, students, and others concerned with the drastic cuts issued by CPS took it to the streets today to tell CEO Huberman and the Board of Education that these cuts hurt kids.
“We have to unite, and fight these cuts for ourselves and our students. We cannot just sit back any longer,” declared Berenice Salas, Hinton Elementary School, who spoke to the media today. Many who were cut were “ineligible” for the reassignment pool, and initially lost all benefits at the end of June. The Union persuaded CPS to extend those benefits. Read More »
Show Huberman We Mean It!
STOP THE CUTS THAT HARM CHILDREN, TEACHERS and COMMUNITIES!
CTU Picket at Board of Education
Wednesday, 7/28/10, 9 a.m.
125 S. Clark, Chicago, IL
Show the power of our movement to improve Chicago’s public schools. Students, parents, teachers, community members – show up in force!
To testify at the Board hearing, show up at 6 a.m. to sign up, then join us on the picket line. To stay for the Board hearings, get your pass before 9 a.m.
Over 200 Energized and Ready to Organize at the CTU "Save Our Schools" Summit
Saturday, July 24th, 2010, Over two- hundred teachers, parents, students, and other champions of public education convened at Ariel Community Academy for the Chicago Teachers Union’s Save Our Schools Summit. The event’s speakers expressed the need for the community to fight back against the staff cuts, program cuts, and the overall dismantling of public education. Read More »
Board Refuses to Change Direction on Staff Cuts, Even if CTU Finds Waste
July 24, 2010
Yesterday's budget talks between the Board of Education and the CTU leadership with the 34-member rank-and-file negotiating team left many questions unanswered. However, the Board made one thing clear: no matter how much waste the CTU finds in the CPS budget, they don't want to hear about it. They are too invested in keeping the status quo with their non-classroom spending habits that they are willing to raise class sizes and cut off services for our students. Read More »
Chicago Teachers Union Bargaining Team Meets with the Board of Education: Day 1
(Left to Right) Recording Secretary Michael Brunson, Vice-President Jesse Sharkey, President Karen Lewis, and Financial Secretary Kristine Mayle exit Union headquarters followed by the 40-member bargaining team as they begin talks with the Board of Education.
A Statement from the President of the Chicago Teachers Union, Karen Lewis
July 23rd, 2010 is a historic day for the children of the city of Chicago. Today, Chicago Teachers Union officers and 40 rank-and-file educators who represent the diversity of our school communities will focus fiercely on one goal: to improve student learning. No longer can the needs of adults hold sway over the needs of children. Improving student learning and the environments in which children learn is the Chicago Teachers Union’s single litmus test for all proposals placed on the table. We hope that Chicago Public Schools will commit to this basic proposition as well. Read More »
Important Message from the President
Dear CTU Members:
In Chicago, and across the nation, educators are under attack. In the last few weeks, the Board fired over 200 educators without due process. They have threatened even more cuts that ignore seniority and tenure rights and will harm students by raising class sizes.
The CTU requested full access to all documents pertaining to the 2010-11 CPS budget. Last year, CPS spent $400 million in contracts, but who holds those contracts and for what? On the revenue side, TIFs take $250 million away from our schools each year, $100 million more than your hard-earned 4% raise will cost. Read More »
CPS Teachers and Staff:
If you have been terminated in violation of your contract rights, please attend the weekly meetings at RAINBOW/PUSH.
Dismissed and Terminated CPS Teachers and Staff Organizing Against Violations of Contract and Workers' Rights
Tuesdays 6pm —7:30 pm
Rainbow PUSH National Headquarters
930 E. 50th St., Chicago
Video
State of the CTU Address from President Karen Lewis
CTU NEws
Events
- CPS to Host Career Fairs for "Impacted" Teachers
- Dismissed and Terminated CPS Teachers and Staff Organizing Against Violations of Contract and Workers' Rights
- Free Legal Service Nights
Legislative Info
Member Resources
- Notice to Members
- Defered Balance Payout
- Chicago Teachers Union - Board of Education Agreement
- June 11, 2010 CTU's Election Results
Recent Articles
Follow Us
