After months of negotiations, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) have come to a tentative agreement. The agreement, which still needs to be ratified by the union membership, outlines a number of changes for the district.

One of the biggest changes in the agreement is an increase in pay for teachers. The agreement calls for a 16% pay increase over the course of five years, with additional raises for more experienced teachers. This is a significant increase for CPS teachers, who have been among the lowest paid in the nation.

The agreement also includes a commitment to reduce class sizes, with a goal of reaching an average class size of 28 students in elementary schools and 31 students in high schools. In addition, the district has agreed to hire more social workers, nurses, and special education teachers to address the needs of students.

Another key aspect of the agreement is a new policy on school closures and consolidations. Under the new policy, any school slated for closure or consolidation must have a public hearing at least six months before the decision is made. The district must also provide a detailed plan for the transition of students and staff.

The tentative agreement has been praised by both Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CTU President Jesse Sharkey. In a joint statement, they called the agreement „historic“ and said it would „transform the educational landscape in Chicago.“

However, some critics have raised concerns about the cost of the agreement. The pay increases alone are estimated to cost the district an additional $500 million over the next five years. Some have also questioned whether the agreement goes far enough in addressing issues of equity and racial justice in the district.

Overall, the CPS tentative agreement represents a significant step forward for the district and its teachers. If ratified, it will bring much-needed improvements to schools and classrooms across Chicago.