Education
‘My Position Has Not Changed’: CPS CEO Remains in Favor of May 1 Classes Despite CTU Pressure
Chicago Public Schools headquarters is pictured in a file photo. (Michael Izquierdo / WTTW News)
The new CEO of Chicago Public Schools says she remains in favor of holding classes on May 1, despite a push from the Chicago Teachers Union and some Board of Education members for a day off in honor of May Day.
CPS CEO Macquline King on Thursday afternoon said her recommendation to the board has been, for weeks, to maintain May 1 as an instructional day for students.
“As a career educator, I believe every minute in the classroom is vital for our students,” she said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “My position has not changed.”
She said if the board intends to cancel classes that day, “they should convene a special Board meeting for a formal vote on this matter as soon as possible.”
“Our staff, students and families need a clear understanding of what to expect on May 1,” King said.
The union’s House of Delegates — its largest governing body — approved a resolution last month seeking “full support” from the Board of Education and Mayor Brandon Johnson to declare May 1 as a “Day of Civic Action.”
The resolution comes as the CTU said it intends to join its partners in Minnesota and across the nation in calling for a national day of “No Work, No School, and No Shopping” in what the union said is an effort to “defend our Democracy, demand ICE out of our cities, and tax the rich to support our schools and vital services.”
A memo from King this week reportedly showed she intended to keep May 1 as an instruction day, but board member Jennifer Custer on Wednesday said on social media that “The media reports are true-Dr. King is reversing her decision to keep schools open on May 1.”
“The Superintendent has the sole authority to change a designated school day, with Board approval,” she said. “I plan on voting no on any changes to a non-attendance day.”
The board voted to confirm King — who served as interim CEO since last June — as full-time CEO last month. Custer was the lone member to vote against her appointment.
King’s statement also comes after the CTU posted on social media earlier on Thursday that the CPS CEO “Will agree to close schools on May Day.”
“Through our collective bargaining, we secured the ability to stand united on May Day with No School. No Work. No Shopping,” the union said in a social media post. “Now, we build community, engage democracy and rally with workers, students, and families to demand a city that puts people over profit.”
