Chicago Teachers Union holds "walk-ins" at 150 schools to demand more funding for CPS

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Teachers Union staged "walk-ins" at more than 150 schools on Monday as part of a nationwide movement to call for more funding for public education.

The demonstrations came as approximately $200 billion federal COVID relief funding is coming to an end nationwide, and school districts across Illinois are looking at big budget issues as a result.

"The funding from the federal government has had such a positive impact, and to have it taken away with no plans to replace or supplement means we will halt the incredible growth our students have made since bouncing back from COVID," said Benito Juarez Community Acad teacher Lilliana Hogan.

Monday's "walk-ins" by CTU are part of a national movement with The Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools – a coalition of parent, youth, community, and labor groups fighting to protect public education.

The message is that teachers want arts and after school activities – and the staff that go with it, such as librarians and social workers – to be a priority for the Chicago Public Schools. Teachers are calling on elected officials to find out where the money can come from.

It's not a coincidence that one of the protests was at Benito Juarez Community Academy, which is CPS Chief Executive Officer Pedro Martinez's alma mater.

Speakers at Monday's walk-ins discussed the changes they want to see before walking into their schools together, and into their respective classrooms.

"Working class people get up every single day to put their kids in school, and they expect our elected leaders that we go out and vote for to figure it out, and that's what we're saying. We're saying you can fund and subsidize corporations for years on end. Figure out how to do it for the community schools," said Juarez teacher Hilario Dominguez.

Martinez's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday's walk-ins.