News and Advocacy

The Promise of a New School Year

A message from CPAA President Banks

Pam Farrell: Championing the Arts and Her Members

Pam says of AFSA, "As soon as we met the team, we knew we had found a home. They have been so instrumental as a resource and a feeling that we are not alone. As AFSA 151, we are part of a larger union family, and that means a lot when you are doing this work.”

NYC Council to Take Up AFSA’s Call for National School Safety Task Force

Resolution to be introduced Sept. 10 calls on Congress and the President to act as new research highlights threats facing school leaders responsible for keeping students and staff safe.

NAESP Names New Executive Director

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) announced that its Board of Directors has selected Stephanie A. Morris as the organization’s next executive director. Morris will assume the role on August 1, 2026, following a planned leadership transition.

BUDGET SEASON

Well, here we are again. CPS is preparing to roll out school budgets for next year.

This past year was complicated. The FY26 budget was introduced before long-term funding was secured, creating uncertainty across the system and prompting strong advocacy from CPAA. That included our letter-writing campaign around TIF releases and direct engagement with city leadership. The mayor met privately with CPAA members to answer direct questions about what was and was not protected for CPS.

CPAA In-Person Meeting for Assistant Principals

Assistant Principals:

We are calling an in-person meeting for assistant principals to get aligned on contract/bargaining priorities and strategy.

The reality is … APs are being asked to carry more, with fewer protections and without compensation that reflects the role. That includes everything from sick-day limitations to the added responsibilities many of you are taking on daily without adequate pay.

We are currently pushing on:

  • Longevity pay

  • AP salary structure

  • Guaranteed AP positions in every school

School Leaders Bring Student Concerns to Capitol Hill

School leaders from across the country gathered on Capitol Hill last week, bringing urgent concerns about student mental health, school safety, and educator support directly to federal lawmakers. AFSA members met with members of Congress and their staff, where they shared firsthand experiences from their schools and communities and advocated for stronger federal support in key areas impacting student success.

A Message from CPAA about May 1st Day of Civic Action

Today, along with many of our members, CPAA learned that CPS is considering amending the school calendar by designating May 1, 2026, as a Day of Civic Action with no student attendance.

Oklahoma School Shooting Underscores Urgent Need to Protect School Leaders

Statement from American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) President Mark Cannizzaro