Capitol Fax: Must-see CPS strike videos

[VIDEO] The first video you see above was shared Friday on CapFax is of strike teacher's mocking Michael Jackson's thriller. I' giving them credit for making this strike entertaining at least. That video among other teacher's strike fun.

Must-see CPS strike videos https://t.co/T1IP3tuIXz

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) October 25, 2019

Chicago Teacher's strike updates

I haven't done a great job at keeping up with the strike so far on this blog. Classes have been cancelled all week for CPS students due to this impasse between the city and the teacher's union. Here are some items that might interest you from during the week via CapFax.


This first item from earlier this week involved the negotiations between the Mayor and the teachers. Funny thing about this is the notion that if you want to frustrate the process just bring more people to the table. Main thing is there is a real strategy to doing so if you know the other side has something to lose in this.

Pick a lane, please https://t.co/dUIUxtQn1C

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) October 22, 2019

This other item is from yesterday which aside from any mention of civil disobedience training also notes that there is some progress in recent negotiations. Perhaps students will be able to return to class soon, although it appears that student athletes who hope to go the their respective playoffs might have lost that opportunity.

Pressure intensifies on both sides as legislators stand with CTU https://t.co/bW3ySccRUx

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) October 24, 2019

Also in noting the title of that last post, some state politicians and city alderman have sided with the teacher's union publicly. It is hardly of any surprise that this needs to be a consideration, especially if the mayor has something to lose if this strike drags on and could affect her objectives with the General Assembly in Springfield.

Finally here are a couple of Instagram posts shared on Thursday from CPS with regards to their teachers union offer.

View this post on Instagram

In addition to raising the average teacher’s salary to $100K, we’re making significant investments to support students and schools.

A post shared by Chicago Public Schools (@chipubschools) on Oct 24, 2019 at 7:11am PDT

This other post is a video

View this post on Instagram

Our latest offer will raise the average teacher’s salary to nearly $100K, offers support staff double-digit raises, and provide a full-time nurse and social worker for every school, every day.

A post shared by Chicago Public Schools (@chipubschools) on Oct 24, 2019 at 10:20am PDT

Governor's mansion history from Curbed...

I liked this history of the state's Governor's Mansion and of all the work done to that Springfield house since it was first built. Of course all is noted in light of the renovations that will start this month and end just in time for the holidays. Via Curbed Chicago

After $15 million update in 2018, the Governor’s Mansion will close for more renovations. https://t.co/ktq0b7Th5o pic.twitter.com/Iqjcl1NPJ0

— Curbed Chicago (@curbedchicago) October 4, 2019

One thing to remember is that Gov. J.B. Pritzker will pay for these renovations out of his pocket!

No resolution to the teacher's strike yet...

Rich Miller shares a quick response to Mayor Lori Lightfoot's attempt to end the strike and get teachers back in classrooms.

CTU to Lightfoot: Nope https://t.co/Ahlx0zDSOw

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) October 21, 2019

Teacher's strike started on Thursday

[VIDEO] I shot this video wating for a bus in front of CPS HQ on Thursday morning when the strike started. It's amazing that the crowd grew as the day went on from this small group to shutting down Madison Street on that day. I'll share an IG post of this.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by R.A.G.E. (@rage_englewood) on Oct 17, 2019 at 12:56pm PDT

I want to share these two recent posts from CapFax regarding the strike. The first is more of a round-up.

CTU strike bits and pieces https://t.co/HDDyrkpjIj

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) October 18, 2019

The other is called unsolicitied advice from the Chicago Tribune's editorial board.

Unsolicited advice https://t.co/SMDUOO48F3

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) October 17, 2019

As the strike continues, schools remain open though classes are cancelled. Who knows what Monday will bring however.

Frank I Bennett elementary gets a new electronic sign

I've been wanting to get a pic of the new signage outside of Bennett Elementary and did so this past weekend. Too bad that the electronic sign outside of Bennett's main entrance isn't on at all. Is it even on during school days? What information is presented on this board?

Also this on the front fence of Bennett School near the main entrance. It reflects Bennett's new identity Bennett Pride. Hand made letters which is certainly a nice touch.

However, I'm old school and will continue to consider myself a badger. 😛

Teacher's strike: Small number of Chicago voters oppose strike

I'm posting this now although this is a late 9:00 AM post because it's important. Rich Miller posted about a poll with regards to whether or not Chicagoans oppose a teacher's strike. Only 38% oppose a teacher's strike.

Poll: Just 38 percent of Chicago voters oppose CTU strike https://t.co/A14GZCDUq4

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) October 15, 2019

How does Lori Lightfoot as Mayor of Chicago settle this?

Tribune: Mayor says CTU ‘refusing to negotiate in good faith;' union calls city offer ‘half-baked’

The latest update about the talks between Chicago's teachers and the city. The final offer by the city was rejected by the teachers union. Ugh...

Capitol Fax: CTU wants to negotiate affordable housing issues

I'm sorry to have missed this from Wednesday. Chicago's teachers want to address the issue of affordable housing for CPS students and their families. Of course the city doesn't think contract negotiations were the right place to address this issue. Via Capitol Fax

CTU wants to negotiate affordable housing issues https://t.co/eeWL9tFAx1

— Rich Miller (@capitolfax) October 9, 2019

WTTW: What’s Next in Lead-Up to a Chicago Teachers Strike?

Still some more news as we head to an October 17th deadline for a teacher's strike. This is a portion of what's next from Chicago Tonight:

The Chicago Teachers Union has set a strike date of Oct. 17, but the deadline for the city to come to a deal with the 25,000-member union may be sooner.

This year, the union’s 700-member House of Delegates – which represents teachers across the city – passed a resolution requiring CTU leadership to bring any tentative deals back to an emergency meeting of those delegates. Those members would then decide whether to call off a strike.

Theoretically, this means even if a contract deal is reached at the 11th hour, teachers could be on the picket lines Oct. 17, and remain there until delegates have reviewed the contract and decided whether to accept the city’s offer.

Sources in CTU say members were angered when, in 2016, union leadership called off a strike after reaching a deal right around the midnight deadline. Some teachers woke up and went to the classroom – instead of the picket line – without knowing the terms of the deal; others were angered at the content of the deal and the fact that CTU had called off the strike without their input.

Very interesting. I still hope there will be no strike.