Chicago Schools Keep May 1 Classes, Convert Day to Civic Engagement

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Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union have reached an agreement to keep schools open on May 1 but shift the day's focus to civic engagement and student activities, including a major rally at Union Park. The compromise follows days of tension between CPS leadership and the union over whether to cancel classes entirely for May Day demonstrations.

Why it matters

The decision to maintain instruction while incorporating organized civic activities and off-campus participation aims to balance the district's educational priorities with the union's desire for educators and students to participate in labor-focused events. It reflects ongoing tensions between CPS leadership and the teachers union over issues like school funding and the role of protests during the school day.

The details

Under the agreement, students will attend school but participate in a modified schedule that includes morning rallies and walk-ins, followed by civic engagement lessons and activities from 9 a.m. to noon. Students and educators will then have the option to attend a 1 p.m. rally at Union Park, with CPS providing buses for field trips. The district and union also agreed to jointly lobby for full education funding in Springfield and to designate future weekday May Day observances as teacher-directed professional development days.

• The agreement was reached on April 17, 2026.
• The May 1 civic engagement activities and rally are scheduled for 2026.

What’s next

The district and union have agreed to jointly lobby for full education funding in Springfield, and to designate future weekday May Day observances as teacher-directed professional development days.