CPS Cancels Classes Wednesday After CTU Votes To Return To Remote Learning
CHICAGO (CBS)-- Classes are canceled at Chicago Public Schools Wednesday.
This means there will be no in-person or remote instruction.
The announcement came late Tuesday night from CPS Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez, hours after the the Chicago Teachers Union voted in favor of going remote.
Martinez says they are working on a plan to get children back in the classrooms as soon as possible and will continue working with CTU to reach an agreement that addresses their COVID safety concerns.
Childcare options are listed on the CPS website.
Take-home meals will be available at all schools from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
CTU members held a conference Wednesday and some parents said they plan to stick with remote learning until there is a safety agreement.
"What world are you in to not test these kids and to not make them safe," CPS parent Sonja Hammond said. "I thank CTU I than the teachers for standing up and fighting for our students."
Falin Johnson, a teacher at Park Manor Elementary, said the "only sensible answer is to suspend in-person school until proper protocols are established.
"As teachers, we know the importance of being prepared," She said.
All after-school programs, sports and other school-related programs are also canceled.
It is known at this time if classes will resume Thursday.
The CTU told its teachers in a memo that Jan. 18 will be the next day of in-person instruction, but CPS has not yet addressed the plan beyond canceling classes Wednesday - and Mayor Lori Lightfoot earlier said the union does not get to make such a decision.
The union said the vote in favor of a remote-work-only job action was 73%.
