We know a lot is happening right now, and it’s hard not to feel a little unsettled. An emergent Board of Education meeting has been called, and with it, we’re anticipating some big news—possibly even a leadership change. While there’s plenty we don’t know yet, here’s what we do know: CPAA is here for you, advocating for your needs and ensuring the voice of school leaders stays front and center.
Chicago Board of Education Meeting
Tonight, we’ll address the Board, sharing your perspective on the CTU’s proposed contract. We know they’re pushing for urgency to approve, but we’re asking for the Board’s thoughtfulness. Rushing into decisions without fully considering the impact on principals’ jobs and student outcomes could have long-term consequences. We’re not telling the Board what to do—we’re simply urging them to factor in principals' insights before making decisions that affect us all.
Our message tonight shared by President LaRaviere and coordinated with 6 other school leaders, will be focused on addressing the collective concerns your analysis of the CTU Contract has produced. We want to thank those of you who volunteered to speak to the board and expound on our collective message.
*We have heard from several members inquiring about a message they received urging them to attend tonight’s meeting. We must clarify that this message was not sent on behalf of CPAA leadership. As stated previously by President LaRaviere, any official communication on behalf of CPAA will be shared through appropriate CPAA communication platforms.
What This Means for You
We’re Doing the Heavy Lifting: You may not have had time to dig through the CTU contract details or review every aspect of our foundational contract. That’s okay—we’ve done it for you. Can’t make it to a Board meeting or press conference? No problem. That’s why we’re here.
We Get Your Reality: We understand how hard you’re working. The 12-hour (plus) days, scrambling to find subs, balancing assemblies and staff/parent/student needs—all while keeping your schools running. We have lived it too, which is why we’re relentless in advocating for the things that matter to you.
Your Concerns Are Driving This: Everything we’re raising comes straight from you. The issues we elevate (including the concerning provisions in the CTU contract) are your issues, and we’re making sure they’re heard where it counts.
We realize this unplanned CBOE meeting is happening just as we’re all gearing up for a much-needed break. Please know: You deserve time to rest and recharge, and we want you to take it. But also know this: while you’re spending time with your loved ones, CPAA will keep working. Over the break, we’ll monitor developments, gather clarity on what’s next, and if necessary draft a plan of action so that we are ready to share with you when you return to your school. When school is back in session, we’ll likely convene a meeting to update you on what’s happened and where we go from here. And of course our general membership meeting is on January 21st.
Until then, take the time you need to rest, focus on what matters most, and know that your union is here—always working to protect your needs and ensure your students’ success.
We’ve got this, and we’ve got you.
— CPAA Team
