Chicago Public Schools CEO, CTU, Mayor Johnson divided over plans for CPS to remain open on May Day

Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Macquline King has made it clear classes will not be canceled on May Day, despite Mayor Brandon Johnson's plans for parents and families to participate.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:22pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting with overlapping, geometric shapes in shades of blue, grey, and black, conveying the fractured and dynamic nature of the political debate around May Day plans for Chicago's public schools.The conflicting plans for Chicago Public Schools on May Day reflect the city's political divisions over workers' rights and student participation.Chicago Today

Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Macquline King is divided against Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) over her plans for CPS to remain open on May Day. While Mayor Johnson says the city is coming up with a plan for parents and families to participate in May Day protests, Dr. King has stated that classes will be in session on May 1st. The CTU has pushed to change the CPS calendar to allow teachers, parents, and students to participate in the annual international celebration of workers' rights, but the school board does not believe there are enough votes for a calendar change.

Why it matters

May Day is an annual international celebration of workers' rights, and this year nationwide protests are planned to stand up against President Donald Trump's policies. The tug of war over closing Chicago Public Schools on May 1 has become a point of contention between the CPS CEO, the mayor, and the teachers union, with implications for how the city's students and families will be able to participate in the events.

The details

Chicago Public Schools CEO Dr. Macquline King has made it clear that classes will not be canceled on May Day, despite Mayor Brandon Johnson saying the city is coming up with a plan for parents and families to participate. The Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) has pushed to change the CPS calendar to allow teachers, parents, and students to participate in the May Day protests, but the school board does not believe there are enough votes for a calendar change. CPS parents group Kids First Chicago is conducting a survey to gauge parents' concerns about the potential impact on childcare and work responsibilities.

  • May 1st is when organized labor comes together to celebrate workers' rights and nationwide protests are planned.
  • The Chicago School Board holds its monthly meeting next Thursday, but there is no indication a calendar change vote is on the agenda.

The players

Dr. Macquline King

The CEO of Chicago Public Schools who has stated that classes will not be canceled on May Day.

Mayor Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who says the city is coming up with a plan for parents and families to participate in May Day protests.

Chicago Teachers Union (CTU)

The teachers union that has pushed to change the CPS calendar to allow teachers, parents, and students to participate in the May Day protests.

Jessica Biggs

A Chicago School Board Member who does not believe there are enough votes for a calendar change to allow for May Day participation.

Hal Woods

The Chief of Policy at Kids First Chicago, a parents group conducting a survey on parents' concerns about the potential impact of a May Day school closure.

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What they’re saying

“May 1st is going to happen.”

— Mayor Brandon Johnson

“CPS, the CEO, Maqueline King has been exceptionally clear. Class will be in session on May 1st.”

— Jessica Biggs, Chicago School Board Member

“Parents are very concerned about significant challenges to childcare, to their work responsibilities, and so some parents just want a decision, one way or another.”

— Hal Woods, Kids First Chicago Chief of Policy

What’s next

The Chicago School Board holds its monthly meeting next Thursday, and School Board President Sean Harden says there is more to come regarding May 1.

The takeaway

The disagreement between the CPS CEO, the mayor, and the teachers union over whether to keep schools open or closed on May Day highlights the complex political and logistical challenges facing the city's education system. The decision will have significant implications for how Chicago's students and families are able to participate in the annual workers' rights celebration.