CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mayor Lightfoot is all but demanding that the Chicago Teachers Union and the district reach agreement Thursday on a plan to reopen more classrooms to in-person learning.
With CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson and CDPH Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady beside her, Mayor Lightfoot said her administration has bent over backwards to craft a plan to reopen the schools safely and make accommodations for teachers with special circumstances; and there has been progress.
But she said the Chicago Teachers Union has moved backwards on some issues, and she said unrelated things like defunding the police are still part of their demand.
"We waited for hours last night. Hours. And still did not receive a proposal from the Chicago Teachers Union leadership, and as of this morning, we are still waiting," Lightfoot said. "But to be clear, not patiently. Not anymore."
The Mayor said there are not many issues left to resolve.
"We need a deal. We need them to actually respond to us. Not move the goal post again. Not add on a bunch of extraneous issues like defunding the police. Those aren't relevant."
She said there is no need for this to go on another day.
"Let's do it. Let's get it done. Enough is enough," Lightfoot said.
CPS CEO Janice Jackson reiterated the Mayor's comments, agreeing that the district has bent over backwards to ensure the Chicago Teachers Union that their plan would reopen the schools safely and according to local and federal standards.
"We must reach a deal for the sake and sanity of our students, parents, teachers, and the hardworking employees in Chicago Public Schools central office," she said.
Dr. Arwady assured parents that all the steps are being taken to make reopening the schools safe - masks, deep cleaning, air purifiers, and other precautions.
"When these strategies are in place, schools and other places where children get childcare and gather, is not a more dangerous place to be than being in the community, and in fact it is often safer," she said.
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Mayor Lightfoot also shared a message to anxious parents: "To those who have expressed concern, I want you to know that we see you and that we hear you and we are working as hard as we possibly can to get a deal done, because we know that is in your best interest."
An open letter to parents from the CTU said their fight is about safety and public school officials have not met even their own meager protocols.
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Chicago Public Schools serves 341,000 students in 638 schools. It is the nation’s third-largest school district.