Next Wednesday, Chicago Teachers to Lobby for $1 Billion More in School Funding

May 10, 2024, 10:00 PM

Next Wednesday, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has sanctioned a paid leave day for nearly 650 teachers to lobby state lawmakers in Springfield for an increase in school funding. This move, approved by CPS, allows one Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) member per school to join the lobbying efforts. The teachers aim to secure an additional $1 billion in funding, a request made by Mayor Johnson, although there is a slim chance of securing this amount. Critics argue that the day away from classrooms to lobby is inappropriate, while supporters emphasize the need for increased funding to support CPS students and educators.