Chicago Public Schools will operate normally on May 1, the district and teachers union announced Friday.
The agreement between CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union ends uncertainty about whether the day would be a closure or a day off for staff. The two sides had been negotiating how to handle May 1 while allowing schools to offer civic engagement lessons or field trips if they choose.
“This agreement preserves the classroom time students deserve and respects our staff and families who must be able to trust CPS to uphold the academic school year calendar,” Superintendent Macquline King said.
All teachers must report to work and teach a full day. Proms, field trips, and other planned school events will proceed as scheduled.
Schools can offer lessons about civic engagement or take students to community events during the school day if they choose. It’s optional — not required.
Students who want to participate in civic events outside school can take one excused absence per school year if their parents give permission in advance. The event must be sponsored by a nonprofit or government agency and open to the public.
Teachers cannot use personal business days or other benefit time to participate in outside events on May 1. Central office teams will support schools that day.
Under the agreement, CPS and the union can mutually agree to designate May 1, 2028, as a teacher professional development day in future years.