Chicago Teachers Union Rallies for Increased CPS Funding with "Walk-ins"

Educators unite across 150 Chicago schools demanding sustained public school investment

Photo byJeffrey HamiltononUnsplash

CHICAGO – In a coordinated effort to spotlight the need for more public school funding, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) organized "walk-ins" at over 150 schools on Monday. The protests are part of a broader national campaign urging increased support for public education as districts across Illinois brace for financial shortfalls with the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds.

With around $200 billion in federal COVID relief funding set to expire, school districts are scrambling to address impending budgetary concerns. Local educators fear that without replacement funding, the educational advancements made during post-pandemic recovery will be stifled.

"The federal aid has been transformative for our students. Losing that funding without a backup plan jeopardizes the progress we've made since schools reopened after COVID," said Lilliana Hogan, a teacher at Benito Juarez Community Academy.

The "walk-ins" in Chicago are part of a nationwide push led by The Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, a coalition of labor groups, parents, students, and community organizations. Their collective aim is to safeguard and enhance public education resources. One of the key demands voiced by educators is a commitment to funding essential staff positions such as librarians, social workers, and extracurricular program leaders, including arts and after-school activity facilitators.

Notably, one of the protests took place at Benito Juarez Community Academy, the alma mater of Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez. Participants shared their concerns and demands before entering their classrooms in solidarity.

"Our communities trust that elected officials will solve these funding issues. We’ve seen corporations receive subsidies for years, so now we’re asking them to prioritize our schools," said Juarez teacher Hilario Dominguez.

As of Monday, Martinez’s office had not issued a response to the walk-ins.