Chicago yet to decide on May Day school closure as union and district hold ground

A political standoff over whether Chicago Public Schools will remain open on May 1 has left more than 315,000 students and their families uncertain, as the district and the teachers union remain divided on holding classes on May Day.

The Chicago Teachers Union has pushed for cancelling classes to allow educators and students to take part in May Day protests across the city. The demonstrations coincide with International Workers’ Day, which has historically drawn large turnouts in Chicago.

However, Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer Macquline King has said the district does not plan to cancel classes.

“As a career educator, I believe every minute in the classroom is vital for our students,” King said in a statement, according to Associated Press. She added that the school board could still take a final call.

Union pushes for May Day participation

The union has proposed converting May 1 into a professional development day for teachers, replacing a scheduled session on June 5, which falls after the academic term ends.

It has also filed a grievance over the issue.

The CTU said the move would allow educators and students to join protests linked to labour rights and education funding.

“What our students need... is educators, labor unions, and community groups standing together,” the union said in a statement, as reported by the Associated Press.

Across the United States, some labour groups are planning boycotts of work, shopping and school on May 1. In states such as North Carolina, unions have encouraged teachers to stay away from classrooms.

Parents face uncertainty over school plans

The lack of clarity has created logistical concerns for families, especially those dependent on school schedules for childcare and academic planning.

According to a district survey cited by AP, at least 113 schools had scheduled activities on May 1. These include field trips, sports events and Advanced Placement test-related work. Another 100 schools had events such as prom and senior night planned.

In a memo to board members, King said disruptions could affect key academic timelines.

“Disruptions would directly affect academic testing and key student milestones,” she wrote, according to AP.

Parents have also raised concerns about the timing and purpose of the protests.

Mariam Hafezi, a parent, told AP that while civic awareness is important, such demonstrations should not replace classroom time.

“It is a teachable moment without them being outside of school,” she said.

Mayor walks a careful line

The issue has also put Brandon Johnson in a difficult position.

Johnson, who was elected with support from the teachers union, has backed the May Day demonstrations. However, he has not clearly stated whether schools should close.

A spokesperson for the mayor said the city would work with stakeholders to ensure the protests are “safe and meaningful,” according to AP.

The debate comes amid broader tensions between the mayor’s office, the union and the school system, including leadership changes and contract negotiations.

School board divided ahead of decision

The matter may ultimately be decided by the school board, which is scheduled to meet on April 23.

Chicago is currently transitioning to a fully elected school board. The existing 21-member body includes both elected and appointed members and has seen frequent disagreements.

Board member Jennifer Custer opposed cancelling classes.

“Calls to keep students out of school are reckless,” she wrote on social media, according to AP.

But Emma Lozano, an appointee and immigrant rights activist, supported participation in the protests.

“We don’t just get educated in the classroom,” she said, as quoted by AP.

With no final decision yet, families, students and schools remain uncertain about whether classrooms will be open on May 1.

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