CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — For the first time in memory — and that goes back a long way — the Chicago Teachers Union is not starting the Chicago Public Schools academic year by suggesting that the sky is falling.
President Stacy Davis Gates said the union has been collaborating with CPS on short-term planning for the heat, as well as a long-term master plan. Safety committees, a legacy of COVID, are also in place at all schools.
“This is remarkably different than any other situation I’ve experienced in leadership before, so that’s already a significant way forward,” Gates said.
Of course, what’s different is the fifth floor at City Hall is occupied by a former teacher and union organizer.
Mayor Brandon Johnson was part of the fight for window air conditioning units in each classroom more than a decade ago.
Still, Kevin Moore, a teacher at George Washington High School, said there will be hot classrooms.
“It’s difficult to teach in a room that’s above normal temperatures,” he said. “The teacher might not be able to focus 100%. Students aren’t able to focus 100%.”
Gates said there’s a plan in place for when the air conditioning unit goes out.
“No. 1: There will be an immediate assessment by the building engineer,” she said. “If it can be fixed on site, they will fix it on site. In the meantime, they will bring in something that is portable or they will remove children and workers from that space.”
That’s not to say all is hunky-dory. Gates said they’re dealing with the legacy of neglect and underfunding.
Related
Related
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram