Johnson meets with CPS leadership

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson is meeting with leaders of the Chicago Public School ahead of a Board of Education meeting.

Johnson invited Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez, Chicago Board of Education President Sean Harden, and Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates to meet at City Hall Wednesday.

Johnson also extended an invitation to the City Council Budget and Finance Chairs. 

The purpose of the meeting is to bring together the City, the union, the Board and CPS leadership to resolve the remaining issues in collective bargaining and other related financial issues.

Johnson said he believes that averting a work stoppage is in the best interest of all Chicagoans and his hope is that he can help find a compromise that is suitable to all parties involved.

In recent weeks, the Chicago Teachers Union has upped its heat on the district having finished the legal process needed to vote to authorize a strike.

o strike vote has been taken and both sides continue working towards a deal. As for the pension payment, a report commissioned by the school board found that as many as 10 to 11 district-wide furlough days would be needed to cover the cost of the pension payment.

Another issue is who should pick up the tab on a the CPS pension contribution for non-teacher staff. Johnson’s administration is pushing hard for CPS to pay the $175 million cost. They they’re warning that if the city doesn’t get the funds before March 30, it might close its books on 2024 with a deficit. He recommends the school district take out a loan to cover the cost.

Martinez, at odds with the mayor and in a legal battle with the Board of Education over his duties, does not want to take out a loan to cover the payment.

Ultimately, however, the final decision will be made by the partially elected, partially appointed school board.

The board meets on Thursday. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates