CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Mayor Lightfoot on Tuesday stepped back from the brink of a full-blown showdown with Chicago teachers, saying all learning will be remote on Wednesday and expressing frustration with the union for saying classrooms are not yet safe enough.
The Chicago Teachers Union earlier told its members to work from home Wednesday, setting the stage effectively for a strike if school administrators lock teachers out of virtual classrooms. CTU officials asked for a mediator to help settle lingering issues.
Lightfoot said Chicago Public Schools plans to offer the in-person learning option to K-8 students on Monday Feb. 1. So far, only special education and preschool students have come back to classrooms.
Lightfoot said CPS has established safe practices that include air filters, COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. She is among officials who say schools that use precautions are not “super spreader” environments.
Teachers have said they won’t feel comfortable until they’re at least vaccinated for the coronavirus. Demand for vaccine far exceeds supply.
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