News and Advocacy

As the custodial management contract with Aramark inside Chicago Public Schools (CPS) comes to an end, there’s a palpable mix of anticipation and reservation.The decision to bring management back unde
This year, we’ve seen unprecedented engagement from the Biden administration, affording AFSA a significant seat at the policymaking table and the opportunity for regular input.
“We are at a technological crossroads with the rights and economic security of workers at risk."
AFSA is partnering with JASON Learning to deliver a professional development program for school leaders tasked to manage education for students via technology during the coronavirus crisis.

Last night I sent part of the results from our COVID-19 Survey to the CPS CEO, the Mayor, and every member of the Board of Education.

Benefit Day Graphic

The graphic below was designed for school leaders. Its purpose is to clarify the benefit day policy during the CPS COVID-19 school closure. Click or click on the graphic to enlarge it.

The Problem

Use of telephones to coerce, in violation of policies and guidelines

Despite written guidance from CPS affirming that the district is only asking--not requiring--school administrators to report to work during the COVID-19 district shutdown, CPAA has received several reports of chiefs violating those guidelines today in their verbal communications with principals and assistant principals. Unfortunately, this behavior is not new.

The Win

Administrators asked--not required--to report

After CPAA pointed out that--contrary to CPS claims--the Governor is not requiring CPS to compel administrators to report to work, CPS sent out a new communication to principals on Sunday with the following headers:

   From: Communication, Internal
   Date: Sun, Mar 15, 2020, at 2:45 PM
   Subject: Information to Help You Prepare for ... COVID-19

The American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), AFL-CIO, calls on all schools across the nation to close immediately.