CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- With the Chicago Teachers Union and the administration still at odds over the return to classrooms, President Biden was asked to weigh in during a briefing at the White House. And now, both the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools are interpreting his comments as a sign of support.
A reporter noted that the President has expressed support for teachers and their unions, and the situation in Chicago was summarized.
Reporter: Do you believe sir that teachers should return to schools now?
Biden did not directly answer the question, but said schools should be safe before teachers return.
"I believe we should make school classrooms safe and secure for the students, for the teachers, and for the help that are in those schools maintaining the facilities," Biden said. "We need new ventilation for those schools, we need testing for those coming in and out of the classes, we need testing for teachers, as well as students, and we need the capacity, the capacity to know the fact of the circumstance in the school is safe and secure for everyone."
He said making classrooms safe could be accomplished with testing, sanitizing, ventilation, and safety protocols.
"So it is not so much about the idea of teachers not going to work. The teachers I know, they want to work. They just want to work in a safe environment, and as safe as you can rationally make it, and we can do that. And we should be able to open every school, kindergarten through eighth grade, if in fact, we administer these tests.”
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Both sides adopted his remarks as a signal of support.
CPS said "we couldn't agree more", noting the $100 million spent on reopening plans.
Meanwhile, the CTU thanked Biden for his comments on Twitter.
“Exactly what educators have been saying, and responses from parents have shown since last March,” the tweet read.
Over the weekend, thousands of CPS teachers voted to work remotely Monday, defying the district’s orders to return to the classroom.
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In response, CPS officials announced they would push back the start date for K-8 teachers from Monday to Wednesday, hoping the extra days will help the two sides reach an agreement on reopening.
CTU President Jesse Sharkey said the two sides were bargaining all day Monday.
“Are we able to vaccinate staff who are coming back? Are we able to get accommodations for people who are living with a relative who has in their house, or is caring for someone, someone with a comorbidity?” he asked.
Vice President Stacy Davis Gates said a question on whether Biden had taken sides in the debate was “disgusting.” Later, she said if Mayor Lori Lightfoot “could agree with” Biden, “then we can get an agreement.”
“People have told us how they feel and [CPS leadership] has refused to listen,” she said. “The President of the United States, hundreds of local school councils, a super-majority of City Council, a super majority of parents — Black and Brown parents — have said delay reopening until it’s safe.”