Today, we make history together.
After months of determined bargaining, unwavering unity, and tireless advocacy, your CPAA bargaining team has reached a tentative agreement with CPS on a binding memorandum of understanding. This is another important milestone on the road to our first-ever collective bargaining agreement. More than just a document—it is the first brick in a foundation that will protect, respect, and elevate Chicago’s school leaders for years to come.
This memorandum of understanding provides:
School Leader Mental and Physical Safety Protections – so that no leader stands alone in times of challenge.
Fair Discipline and Grievance Procedures – with clear rules, safeguards, and enforceable rights.
Professional Development Commitments – ensuring access to growth opportunities that match the caliber of your leadership.
Union Representation Rights – embedded in policy, ensuring CPAA’s voice is present wherever your rights and working conditions are on the table.
A Foundation for Compensation Reform and Parity – the first step toward closing long-standing pay gaps and securing compensation that truly reflects your responsibilities, expertise, and the impact you have every day. Make no mistake—this was not a gift from CPS. The retroactive payment you received today is direct evidence of your union in action. The increase you now see in your base salary is the direct result of our collective action, our unity at the bargaining table, and our refusal to accept less than we deserve. CPS did not volunteer this change; we fought for it, and we won it.
We have not solved every issue. But what we have achieved is a huge win—this is a legal, enforceable framework that gives us the tools to address what comes next. This victory belongs to every member who stood firm, spoke up, and showed the district the strength of a united front.
As we prepare to begin a new school year, this agreement will help ensure you can step into your building confident, protected, and empowered to lead, advocate, and meet the needs of your students, staff, and communities.
In the coming days, we will share a comprehensive breakdown of what’s in the memorandum, what it means for you, and how we’ll move forward together. For now, we wanted you to hear the news directly from your union family: our solidarity works.
Even as we take a moment to celebrate, we remind everyone that we will shortly return to the table to continue negotiations on our first ever comprehensive collective bargaining agreement. Many of the provisions in this memorandum will be incorporated in that agreement.
This is just the beginning. We are stronger together—and we’ve just proven it.
In unity,
Kia R. Banks
President
Lead Negotiator, CPAA Bargaining Team
