Chicago Public Schools will stay open on May 1 for now, as interim CEO Macquline King recommended keeping classes in session despite calls from board members and the Chicago Teachers Union to allow participation in a nationwide protest. The announcement was made April 9, but the final decision could still change if the Board of Education holds a special meeting and votes to cancel classes.
The issue is significant because it involves balancing students’ educational needs with civic engagement opportunities. The planned national protest advocates for raising taxes on the wealthy, limiting immigration enforcement, and increasing school funding.
King said in a statement that families need clarity about what to expect on May 1. “Our staff, students and families need a clear understanding of what to expect on May 1,” she said. She added that only a formal vote by the board could close schools for the day. Her memo cited continuity of instruction, student safety, minimizing disruption for families—including access to free meals—as reasons for staying open.
Union leaders have pushed for making May 1 a teacher-directed professional development day so teachers and students can join the protest. The union argues this aligns with contract language negotiated “with the express purpose of accommodating a day of civic action on May 1,” according to CTU president Stacy Davis Gates’s letter.
The debate has revealed divisions among board members. Appointed member Debby Pope supported closing schools due to “unprecedented times” and emphasized that “education takes many forms,” including participating in protests. However, elected members Jessica Biggs and Jennifer Custer opposed closing schools; Biggs wrote online that “the academic calendar has been set” and stressed reliability for families.
Discussions also involved other groups such as principals’ union leaders and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office. Kia Banks, president of the principals union, said all parties are working toward balancing civic responsibilities with student learning needs.
Board President Sean Harden issued support for King operationalizing “a day of civic action,” but King reiterated her position: “the district’s position is to remain open May 1.” She called again for an official public vote by the board before any changes are made.
