CPS and teachers union reach proposed contract deal after year-long negotiations

After nearly a year of tense and often contentious negotiations, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) have reached a proposed contract deal, potentially avoiding a strike for the first time in over a decade. The agreement, which addresses a range of financial and educational demands, was approved by union members on March 31, 2025. This move brings to an end a protracted battle that had threatened the stability of the nation’s fourth-largest school district.
The proposed contract includes provisions such as a 4% raise for educators, $10 million in additional funding for sports programs, and enforceable class-size limits. However, the deal still requires final approval from CPS’s Board of Education before it can be fully implemented.
Tentative deal brings relief after a year of negotiations
The contract’s path to this point was far from smooth. Tensions between Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office, CPS leadership, and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates escalated over the past year as the city struggled to balance its budget and meet the district’s financial needs. A $175 million pension payment, which CPS had to make for nonteaching staff, added further complexity to negotiations, according to the Chicago Tribune.
As reported by the Chicago Tribune, the agreement reached on March 31 includes key provisions that address the CTU’s demands while also recognizing the district’s budgetary constraints. These provisions, including additional funding for sports programs and protections for bilingual teachers, were seen as crucial in averting a strike, which had become a growing concern in recent weeks.
Mayor Johnson, who has faced political pressure throughout the negotiations, acknowledged the significance of the proposed deal, stating, “Look, I’m careful not to say something too soon, but we’re really close, you all, for the first time in 15 years to get a teachers contract without a strike or a strike vote,” as quoted by the Chicago Tribune. Johnson’s alliance with the CTU had been a contentious issue throughout his tenure, but the successful deal has allowed him to present a victory to his labor supporters.
What’s in the deal?
The proposed contract includes a 4% raise for CPS educators, a gesture that is likely to be seen as a significant win for the union. In addition to financial compensation, CPS has committed to investing $10 million in sports funding, ensuring that schools can enhance their athletic programs. This funding is expected to benefit students across the district, with a particular focus on underfunded schools.
The deal also includes enforceable class-size limits, a long-standing demand from the CTU, which has argued that smaller class sizes are critical for providing quality education. Additionally, the agreement outlines measures to expand bilingual education and reinforce sanctuary protections for immigrant students. It also establishes safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, further solidifying CPS’s commitment to inclusivity.
Political ramifications and financial hurdles remain
While the contract represents a major breakthrough, CPS still faces the challenge of securing the necessary funding to cover the costs associated with the agreement. As the Chicago Tribune reported, the district is grappling with the looming $175 million pension payment, which is central to an ongoing debate between City Hall and CPS over how to allocate financial resources.
Despite the political wrangling, the tentative agreement represents a significant step forward for CPS and the CTU, bringing an end to a year of negotiations that tested the district’s ability to balance educational priorities with fiscal responsibility. However, the financial realities of funding the contract remain an issue that both CPS and the city must address in the coming months.
The final vote by CPS’s Board of Education is expected soon, with all eyes on whether the proposed deal will be ratified without further complications. As quoted by the Chicago Tribune, CPS Chief Pedro Martinez emphasized that the deal “recognizes the significant contributions of our educators” while balancing the district’s “budgetary constraints and fiduciary responsibilities.”