Chicago Public Schools are shutting down in-person learning and sending kids back home for school after teachers vote to work remotely.
Late in the day on Tuesday, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) announced its members voted to work from home on Wednesday as it continues to solidify its deal with the city and the school district over COVID-19 safety measures WTTW reports.
Seventy-three percent of the group’s members voted in favor of remote working. The CTU went on to say that this act will end once their specified conditions are “met: The current surge in cases substantially subsides, or the mayor’s team at CPS signs an agreement establishing conditions for return that are voted on and approved by the CTU House of Delegates.”
In a statement, the group said: “This decision was made with a heavy heart and a singular focus on student and community safety.” It continued: “Let us be clear. The educators of this city want to be in their classrooms with their students. We believe that our city’s classrooms are where our students should be. Regrettably, the Mayor and her CPS leadership have put the safety and vibrancy of our students and their educators in jeopardy.”
On Thursday, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said it would have no option other than to cancel classes if the CTU moves forward with this plan. In the meantime, the school district said it would be coming up with a plan of action in the event that the CTU continues on with this action through Wednesday.
