THE LOOP (WBBM Newsradio) -- Members of Chicago's Board of Education praised the district's superintendent for her handling of schools' plans for May Day, but other voices at the board meeting show the debate is not settled.
"Send your kids to school. School is open for business!" exclaimed Board of Education member Ellen Rosenfeld at the beginning of Thursday's meeting, thanking schools CEO Dr. Macquline King for working out an agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union that will keep classes in session on Friday, May 1.
"I really appreciate you kept board members informed, you kept the public informed," Rosenfeld added. "There were so many questions!"
Dr. King affirmed for board members that students and staff members will not be forced to attend the city's May Day rally in Union Park, noting that students and teachers may have different perspectives on what's traditionally been a day of labor rights activism.
"We need to respect the diversity of views among our students, families and staff," Dr. King told the Board. "I am glad that we were able to come to an agreement."
But CTU recording secretary Vicki Kurzydlo bashed the district's requirement that teachers get pre-approval for any additional materials for May Day-related instruction, suggesting that it went against "academic freedom" provisions in the union's collective bargaining agreement with the district.
"It places limits where there needs to be trust," said Kurzydlo of the requirement. "Teachers should not have to hesitate before bringing materials that help students understand real events or historical context."
And parent Judy Velez, who before the Board meeting appeared outside CPS headquarters with leaders of an anti-CTU group called the Urban Center, called on the board to pause the compromise, saying teachers "want the freedom to politically indoctrinate our children without accountability."
"There is a difference between teaching civics versus advancing political agendas," she added.
Board member Ed Bannon said Dr. King's handling of the situation was a "great example" of her leadership.
"I don't think everyone's completely happy," said Bannon. "That's usually a good sign ... of a good compromise.
But union bashes prior-review requirement for teaching materials
But union bashes prior-review requirement for teaching materials
