Chicago Teachers Push To Close Schools For May Day, Sparking Citywide Clash Over Classes

CHICAGO — A tense dispute over whether Chicago Public Schools should close on May Day is leaving families and educators uncertain as the city prepares for International Workers’ Day demonstrations on May 1.

The influential Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), an ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson, is urging teachers and students to participate in May Day protests and has asked the district to cancel classes so the community can join demonstrations. Macquline King, the district’s newly named chief executive officer, has declined that request, setting up a standoff that affects more than 315,000 students across the nation’s third-largest school district.

What the CTU Wants—and Why

The CTU argues that a district-wide closure would allow educators and students to protest threats to public education and broader policy priorities. The union’s list of demands includes increased school funding, higher taxes on the wealthy, and an end to aggressive immigration enforcement. With more than 70% of CPS students classified as low-income and a majority identifying as Black or Latino, union leaders say the protests address pressing community concerns.

“What our students need, and what history teaches us is the only thing that works, is educators, labor unions, and community groups standing together to defend each other and our democracy and demand that the government put our families over their fortunes,” the CTU said in a statement.

District Response, Logistics And Parental Concerns

King—who served as interim CEO before being appointed to a three-year contract—stated she does not plan to cancel classes. “As a career educator, I believe every minute in the classroom is vital for our students,” King said, while noting the school board could override her decision at its next regular meeting on April 23.

The CTU has proposed treating May 1 as a professional development day for teachers by swapping it with a PD day currently scheduled for June 5, the first day of students’ summer break, and has filed a grievance over the matter.

Uncertainty about whether more than 500 schools will open on May 1 has forced parents to scramble for childcare and adapt plans for testing and milestone events. A district survey summarized in a memo from King to board members — obtained by The Associated Press — found that 113 schools had planned activities on May 1, including field trips, athletic events and make-up Advanced Placement testing, while another roughly 100 reported important events such as proms and senior nights.

“Disruptions would directly affect academic testing and key student milestones, particularly for graduating seniors and 8th graders with limited ability to recover or reschedule these experiences,” King wrote in the memo.

Some parents welcome civic education but worry about adult-led walkouts. “It is a teachable moment without them being outside of school,” said Mariam Hafezi, a parent of a middle school student. “It would be wiser to spend time in class explaining about the strike in general.”

Politics, Power And A Changing School Board

The disagreement highlights political tensions for Mayor Johnson, a former CTU organizer who won the 2023 election with the union’s support. While Johnson has expressed support for May Day demonstrations, his office has been less clear about endorsing a district-wide closure.

The dispute also offers an early look at a changing governance structure: Chicago is transitioning from a mayor-appointed school board to a fully elected board this November. The current 21-member panel — a mix of elected and appointed members — has often been divided, and board members have given contrasting statements on the clash. Elected member Jennifer Custer criticized calls to keep students home as irresponsible, while immigrant-rights activist Emma Lozano, appointed by Johnson, defended student participation as civic education that takes place both inside and outside the classroom.

With the April 23 board meeting looming, the city is watching to see whether the board will intervene and whether the dispute will be resolved before May 1.