June 16th 2024.
On a Friday evening in Chicago, the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools came together for their first-ever public bargaining session. The focus of this meeting was their shared vision of creating "Green Schools" - a series of proposals aimed at modernizing schools and reducing their impact on the environment. Both parties expressed a strong desire to mitigate the effects of climate change and air pollution on the students of CPS.
The meeting, held at Marquette Elementary School in Chicago Lawn, was the first of approximately six sessions that will be open to the public. This collaborative effort involves the district and the more than 30,000 members of the union, including teachers and school employees.
One of the main proposals put forth by the Chicago Teachers Union is to retrofit existing school buildings, addressing issues such as aging infrastructure and lead pipes. They also hope to install central air conditioning to combat extreme heat, as well as solar panels and heat pumps to reduce pollution in schools located near industrial areas on the South and West sides. Additionally, the union is advocating for better access to green spaces for students and increased funding for technical education programs that prepare students for careers in renewable energy.
During the session, the district and the union were able to find common ground on several safety and environmental goals for the future, although contract negotiations are still ongoing. The union has proposed a 4-year contract that would expire in 2028, a year earlier than the district's proposed 5-year agreement.
Representatives from both organizations were present at the bargaining table, including union President Stacy Davis Gates and the district's Chief Operating Officer, Charles Mayfield. CPS Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez was not in attendance, as he has delegated negotiation responsibilities to operational leaders, according to a statement from the district.
In addition to the union and district officials, community advocacy groups such as ONE Northside, the Southeast Environmental Task Force, and the Sunrise Movement were also present at the session. Everyone involved expressed a shared goal of creating healthy, safe, and green schools for CPS students.
However, the proposal for "Green Schools" faces significant challenges, namely the district's $391 million deficit and the looming end of federal COVID-19 funds. To help fund their proposals, the Chicago Teachers Union is calling on the district and state leadership to pursue federal grants like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Department of Energy's Renew America's Schools grant. They also point to their previous success in securing a $20 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to purchase electric school buses over the next three years.
During the meeting, CPS Chief Operating Officer Charles Mayfield stated that the district is open to working with the union on their proposals, as long as they can iron out some details independently. He also expressed a desire for greater transparency in the grant writing process.
Despite their shared vision and commitment to securing additional funding, the Chicago Teachers Union also seeks structural changes in how money is allocated within the district in the long term. Union President Stacy Davis Gates emphasized the need to shift priorities and address disparities in schools and neighborhoods. She believes that this goes beyond funding and requires a change in process, planning, and overall vision.
The session ended after approximately two hours, with both parties expressing a willingness to continue working towards their shared goal of creating healthy, safe, and green schools for CPS students. As the district's budget for the 2024-25 school year is delayed until July and is considered a "crisis" by CPS Chief Operating Officer Charles Mayfield, it is clear that there are challenges ahead. However, with the collaboration and determination shown at this first bargaining session, there is hope for a positive outcome for all involved.
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