CPS Cancels Classes on May 1 After Pressure From Teachers Union

CEO pushes back on decision, citing disruption to students and key academic events

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:57pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene of students walking through a school hallway, with soft, warm pools of color and light, conceptually representing the disruption caused by the decision to cancel classes on May 1.The decision to cancel classes on May 1 has sparked concerns over the disruption to students' academic schedules and preparation for important events.Chicago Today

Chicago Public Schools will cancel classes on May 1 after the school board sided with the Chicago Teachers Union's demand to allow staff to attend May Day protests. The decision came after internal debate and pressure from the CTU and Mayor Brandon Johnson, despite earlier signals from the CPS CEO that schools would remain open. Some board members are now pushing back, warning the change will disrupt classes, activities, and key AP test preparation.

Why it matters

The decision to cancel classes on May 1 has sparked a growing dispute between CPS leadership and the teachers union. While the CTU claims they secured the ability to take the day off through collective bargaining, the CPS CEO argues the change will significantly disrupt students' academic schedules and preparation for important events like AP tests.

The details

CPS CEO Macquline King says her position has not changed - that May 1 should remain an instructional day. However, the Chicago Teachers Union has been demanding May 1 off for teachers and students to attend May Day rallies. After a private session, the school board took a straw poll and voted in favor of the CTU's position, overriding King's stance. Elected board member Jennifer Custer says King should have stuck to her original decision, as the change will impact not just a day of teaching, but also athletics, field trips, AP test prep, and college signing day events.

  • May 1, 2026 is the date CPS plans to cancel classes.
  • May 4, 2026 is the start of AP testing, which will be impacted by the lost instructional day on May 1.

The players

Macquline King

The CEO of Chicago Public Schools, who argues May 1 should remain an instructional day.

Chicago Teachers Union (CTU)

The teachers union that has been demanding May 1 off for teachers and students to attend May Day rallies.

Brandon Johnson

The Mayor of Chicago, who faced pressure from the CTU and was involved in a tense exchange with the CPS CEO over the May 1 decision.

Jennifer Custer

An elected member of the Chicago Board of Education who voted against the decision to cancel classes on May 1, arguing it will disrupt important academic events.

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What they’re saying

“On May 1, 2026, we take action, together. Through our collective bargaining, we secured the ability to stand united on May Day with No School. No work. No shopping.”

— Chicago Teachers Union

“The district's position is to remain open on May 1.”

— Macquline King, CPS CEO

“It is solely her decision to make this choice. We as the board have to respect her autonomy to do so. Instead, we've reversed course, and we're looking at families having to figure out what they're doing with their children that day.”

— Jennifer Custer, Elected Board Member

What’s next

The Chicago Board of Education is expected to hold a formal public vote on whether to cancel classes on May 1.

The takeaway

The decision to cancel classes on May 1 has exposed a growing rift between CPS leadership and the teachers union, with concerns that the change will significantly disrupt students' academic schedules and preparation for important events like AP tests. The outcome of the formal school board vote will determine whether the May 1 closure goes forward.