As Schools Break Ranks, Union Looks for Answers
John Konstantaras
Days after the Chicago Teachers Union union rallied with Wisconsin labor leaders, three schools broke ranks and voted to lengthen the school day.
Just days after ruling out a strike, the Chicago Teachers Union finds itself grappling with dissent and fighting for public support, as district leaders have begun circumventing the union in their push for a longer day this school year.
After pressing the union unsuccessfully to agree to a longer day throughout the summer, Chicago Public Schools officials are now asking individual principals if they are willing to lengthen the day. If they are, principals have their staffs vote on contract waivers, which the union has discouraged members from signing.
On Friday, three elementary schools–Genevieve Melody Elementary, Skinner North Elementary and STEM Magnet Academy—broke from the union and voted to lengthen their day by 90 minutes.