CPS Reaches Compromise With Chicago Teachers Union on May Day Plans

Chicago Public Schools officials announced Friday that they have reached an agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union to keep schools open on May 1 while allowing optional civic engagement activities.

The deal marks a compromise between CPS CEO Dr. Macquline King, who had personally opposed canceling classes, and CTU leadership that pushed for a traditional day off for the annual labor holiday.

"All students will receive a full day of instruction on May 1, with all school-based staff expected to report to work as normal," CPS stated in an official letter to families.

The agreement allows for optional participation in civic activities while maintaining the school day. District officials emphasized that student participation in any field trip is completely optional and families have the right to opt out.

"The agreement preserves the classroom time students deserve and respects our staff and families who must be able to trust CPS to uphold the academic school year calendar," King said.

Field Trips and Rally

Under the agreement, CPS will work in good faith to provide at least 100 schools with transportation to a 1 p.m. May Day rally at Union Park. The city will supply free transit cards if the district cannot arrange enough buses.

The Chicago Teachers Union had been pushing for months to cancel classes on May 1, which falls on a Friday this year. The union argued that teachers and students should use the day for civic learning outside the classroom.

"This agreement honors the proud history of civic action in Chicago and beyond," King said in a statement.

CPS Staff and Student Participation

While the school day will remain in session, the agreement allows principals to exercise discretion in allowing students to participate in civic engagement activities. No students will be required to participate.

The district also agreed to provide 65 CTU members with paid leave to travel to Springfield the week of May 13 to lobby state lawmakers for additional school funding.

Future May Days that fall during the work week will be designated as teacher-directed professional development days, starting in 2028.

Parent Opposition

The agreement has not gone unchallenged. Some parents have pushed back against the civic engagement component, citing concerns about what content might be taught during civic engagement curriculum.

Leonor Arellano, a CPS parent, attended a news conference organized by the Urban Center, a pro-school choice group. She called for transparency in the decision-making process and questioned what could be included in any civic engagement curriculum.

"We demand a return to core education in reading, writing, math, science and the skills our students need to succeed," she said.

A CPS spokesperson clarified that schools are not required to implement lesson plans or civic engagement activities on May 1. Any instructional activities must align with district-approved requirements and state learning standards.

Mayor's Support

Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement supporting the agreement.

"We are pleased all parties are working together to ensure school communities can participate in commemorating International Workers Day," Johnson said. "Schools will remain open for instruction, while multiple opportunities will be provided for those who wish to participate in this day of civic action both inside and outside the classroom."

Johnson noted that May Day history is rooted in Chicago, where workers organized around the demand for an eight-hour workday and the Haymarket Strike raised awareness about workers rights.

CPS Plans for the Day

CPS confirmed that all planned activities, including advanced placement testing, proms, senior nights, and field trips, will continue as scheduled on May 1.

The district will provide curricular materials to help educate students on the importance of civic engagement. Teachers will be able to implement district-approved lesson plans addressing the history of International Workers Day.

Participation in local civic engagement events is completely voluntary, and student participation in any field trip remains optional. Families and students have the right to opt out and remain in school.

If students from grades 6 to 12 choose to participate in civic events but attend schools that are not participating in the official program, they are allowed one excused absence per school year to participate, in accordance with Illinois law. However, they must first obtain parental permission.

The agreement represents a balance between maintaining instructional time and honoring the tradition of civic action that has long been part of Chicago's cultural landscape.