Chicago Schools CEO Reverses May Day Class Cancellation Denial

After initially refusing CTU's request, Dr. Macquline King changes course and allows May 1 off in exchange for a June professional development day.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:20pm

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An abstract, dynamic painting with overlapping, fractured geometric shapes and waves of color in shades of red, blue, and gray, conceptually representing the political tensions and momentum of the May Day protests.The reversal of the May Day school closure decision reflects the ongoing political tensions and activism surrounding workers' rights in Chicago.Chicago Today

In a reversal, Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Macquline King has approved the Chicago Teachers Union's request to cancel classes on May 1 to allow teachers, students, and parents to participate in planned May Day protests and activities. The decision comes after months of the CTU urging CPS to close schools for the day, which King had initially denied citing conflicts with other academic events.

Why it matters

May Day is a significant day for organized labor to advocate for workers' rights, and the CTU sees participation as an important civic engagement opportunity for students. However, some school board members were concerned that a day off would disrupt learning and create childcare challenges for families who rely on schools.

The details

After initially denying the CTU's request, Dr. King reversed course during a closed-door school board meeting, agreeing to cancel classes on May 1 in exchange for a planned professional development day in June. The CTU has been pushing for the May Day cancellation for over a year, arguing the day off would allow students to take part in historic national protests against President Trump's policies.

  • The CTU has been urging CPS to cancel classes for May Day protests for almost a year.
  • Dr. King denied the request, but reversed the decision during a school board meeting on April 9, 2026.
  • May 1, 2026 is when the nationwide May Day protests are planned.

The players

Dr. Macquline King

The recently appointed permanent CEO of Chicago Public Schools.

Chicago Teachers Union

The labor union representing teachers in the Chicago public school system.

Jenni Custer

A Chicago school board member who initially supported Dr. King's decision to deny the CTU's request.

Jackson Potter

The vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union.

Jeanette Taylor

The Chicago City Council Committee Education Chair.

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What they’re saying

“We've been trying to set this up and establish a clear direction for more than a year. It finally got done. We're sorry about the hiccups. We'll work through those, and it's going to be an amazing, incredible day of solidarity.”

— Jackson Potter, Vice President, Chicago Teachers Union

“School is the place where kids get two meals a day. School is the place where parents who work know that their kids are safe. School is the place where it's really our responsibility to make sure that we're educating these kids.”

— Jenni Custer, Chicago School Board Member

“I would love to see CPS do a day of service where we're cleaning the community, where we meet our community members. Well, hey, are we signing up to register to vote?”

— Jeanette Taylor, Chicago City Council Committee Education Chair

What’s next

CPS has not yet officially announced the May 1 school cancellation, and parents say they need more time to plan if classes are to be called off.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the Chicago Teachers Union's desire to engage students in civic activism and the school district's focus on maximizing instructional time. It also raises questions about how schools can balance educational priorities with supporting students' participation in important social and political movements.