CPS

CPS Division Director Testifies Before the CPS Agenda Review Committee on Safety and Security

This morning I testified before the CPS Agenda Review Committee on Safety and Security.

Firstly about the Safety and Security Team’s support for one of our Crossing Guards who witnessed a shooting firsthand. Their team followed protocol and provided support for our member and all of our crossing guards, and demonstrating what strong contract language and labor relations can do for us.

I also welcomed back Kim Jones in the transportation department. We’re looking forward to working with her and her team on much needed safety trainings for bus aides and monitors.

Lastly I spoke about job security and the right of eligible workers to form a union without opposition. I called on the Board of Education to publicly commit to not oppose any effort of CPS workers to unionize. SEIU Local 73 is currently organizing miscellaneous workers at CPS and these workers have a right to unionize.

CPS Division Director Testifies Before the CPS Agenda Review Committee on the value of CPS security and the need for more custodians.

---

CPS Division Director Testifies Before the CPS BOE on SPED Cluster Problems and the Need for Immediate Changes.

---

CPS plans on amending their Policy on Religious Holidays. There is a special carve-out for SEIU Local 73 represented workers as our Contract is specified as follows:

CBA Article 12.35. Religious Holidays

“All bargaining unit members shall be granted up to three non-attendance days with pay in a school year for the observance of religious holidays as allowed by Board Rule 4-10, which shall not be considered an absence, provided that the employee give written notice to the school principal [or immediate supervisor if you don’t report to a school principal] at least seven calendar days in advance of non-attendance for the religious holiday.”

Please be advised that while we have to provide at least seven calendar days’ notice, please be advised that approval for Religious Holidays are on a first-come, first-served basis.  With upcoming changes to CPS Policy on Religious Holidays (pending CPS Board approval), we have been provided with the following clarifying FAQ and answers from CPS’ Talent Office:

1. Can a religious holiday be used to attend a service at their worshiping organization? Yes. Employees may use a religious holiday to attend worship services, ceremonies, or other observances or practices at their place of worship. For example, a baptism or bar mitzvah for their child or family member, so long as it is part of the employee’s sincerely held religious belief. 
2. Can a religious holiday be used to provide a service at their worshiping organization? Yes. Employees may use a religious holiday to provide a service at their place of worship.
3. Can a religious holiday be used to attend a memorial or funeral service? No. Employees must follow time off approvals under the Board’s bereavement policy or use a personal or vacation day.
4. Does attending a spiritual retreat qualify as a religious observance under this policy? Yes, if the retreat is part of the employee’s sincerely held religious beliefs and practices. For example, if your faith tradition includes retreats, pilgrimages, or periods of religious reflection as a form of worship or observance, then requesting time off to attend such a retreat would fall under the policy. No, if the retreat is primarily for personal growth, wellness, relaxation, or philosophical exploration without a religious foundation. 

Additionally, CPS Talent Office has provided the follow guidance to Principals/Managers:

1. What should managers do if staff have not completed the attestation but requested a religious holiday for approval? Managers should encourage completion, but a religious observance should not be denied solely because the form was not completed. The purpose of the form is to reinforce that religious holiday requests are based on sincerely held beliefs. 

---

SECA Update

As a Union, we are deeply concerned for all SECAs and Sub SECAs, as well as the Special Education Students that you support. You have heard us in multiple Board Meetings and in several news outlets voicing our objection to the new direction of providing the outdated State minimum in cluster classes. Last night, we sent an email to the CPS CEO, the Chief of OSD, and other CPS leadership demanding answers to the following questions:

• How many SECAs are currently in the layoff pool?
• How many students with IEPs and 504 plans are awaiting placement?
• We are requesting All cluster ratios of students with IEPs and SECA staffing level across the District.
• How many students requiring a dedicated SECA are currently placed in Cluster Programs as it relates to SECAs?
• What is the current number of appeals filed by school Principals that haven’t been fulfilled yet?
• What is the current number of students with IEPs that are not getting their legally mandated minutes?

Please know that we do not take this situation lightly. We are looking to partner will all members, parents, and SPED advocates to demand educational justice for the most vulnerable students in the district, and the proud Union members who support them. We will follow up with you as soon as we get concrete answers to these urgent questions.

---

Custodian Update

We know there have been a lot of questions and concerns around CPS involuntary transfers. To help clear things up, we’ve put together a CPS Involuntary Transfer FAQ with answers to the most common questions custodians have been asking.

---

CPS Balanced Budget Passes without High Interest Loan

---

SEIU Local 1 and SEIU Local 73 Joint Statement on Chicago Public Schools’ Draconian Decision to Gut Custodial Workforce Weeks Before School Year Starts

---

The CPS School Year 2025/2026 calendar for school based employees is now available. This calendar establishes to start date, total paid days, total work days, etc. by each job classification. Click here for the calendar.

---

CPS Job Fair for SECAs Impacted by Layoff
CPS is hosting a job fair for SECAs who are impacted by layoff. This flyer contains all of the logistics, specifying the date, time and location of the event.

Please note that registration is required in order to attend the event and you must bring several physical copies of your resume as Admins from various schools are interviewing on the spot. The registration information is on the CPS events page which can be accessed here.

---

We are pleased to announce that wages will be increasing by 4% for the 2025-2026 school year. When we bargained the contract, we ensured that wages in 2025 and 2026 would be tied to the Consumer Price Index so whichever way the economy went, our members would be assured of a meaningful wage increase. Per our contract, the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased by 2.9 percent over the year ended July 2024, ensuring our 4% wage increase. You can view the 2025-2026 Pay Scales here. The new pay scale goes into effect July 1, 2025.

---

Responding to Immigration Enforcement Agents at Schools

Below is the guidance provided by the district on how to respond if Federal Immigration agents arrive at your school.

Please take a moment to review the below items:

1. Access control – You should work with your principal to ensure that the school is always following its access control plans. This includes only admitting approved visitors who have official business with the school and using your school’s Visitors Management System. All exterior doors should remain locked at all times.
2. Immigration Agents on property – If Immigration Agents arrive at the school, politely ask them for the reason for their visit and inform them that you will have to contact your school principal or designee.
3. Request Identification –  Enter the Agent’s information into the Visitor Management System. This includes: Name, Reason for visit, Proof of identity or immigration enforcement credentials, and phone number. 
4. Maintain Student Privacy – Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of our students and families is a top priority. Do not share any information without explicit authorization from your school principal. 
5. Avoid any Actions that may escalate the situation – Stay calm, composed, and professional. Avoid making any statements or taking actions that could heighten tension or confusion. If a federal immigration agent disregards your instructions and proceeds to conduct a search with or without a judicial warrant, do not attempt to interfere with the search. Immediately alert the Student Safety Center by calling 773-553-3335, who will notify the appropriate parties. 
6. Communicate with your principal – Notify the school principal or designee immediately. They will follow district protocols to contact the CPS Law Department.

For additional information, please refer to Guidance and Resources Regarding the New Presidential Administration. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your Network Safety Manager or call the Student Safety Center at (773) 553-3335. Please also feel free to email safetyandsecurity@cps.edu with any questions or concerns.

Thank you again for all that you do to keep our schools safe.