CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Public School system is preparing for a full reopening of school buildings in the fall.
Outgoing CPS CEO Janice Jackson said administrators are working on a comprehensive plan to bring all, but the most medically fragile students back to schools in September. CPS plans to offer full, five-day in-person learning in-line with a resolution passed by the Illinois State Board of Education.
"After the past 14 months, we could not be more thrilled to be able to resume normal scheduling for students and their families," said Deputy Chief of Staff Eva Giglio.
But during the public participation session, Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey told board members and staff that the school district has to do a much better job getting students vaccinated.
"It’s urgent. Now is the time for us to launch and name a plan for getting our students vaccinated. In the 50s and 60s, U.S. society figured out a way to vaccinate our entire population against polio. We did it in our schools," he said.
Dr. Jackson later said the school district is working to get as many students and parents vaccinated as possible before schools reopen in the fall, citing regular Saturday vaccination events at a handful of district schools.
Meanwhile, Troy LaRaviere, president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, reminded school officials that principals and assistant principals have been in buildings during the entire pandemic, and have made great sacrifices, including losing promised days off.
"They have carried this district. They are the most unsung heroes of this entire crucible and the stress of that burden has taken its toll physically and mentally and many of them are not well," he said.
Jackson reassured board members that the district has a comprehensive plan.
Related
