Chicago Public Schools announced Tuesday more than 250 places students can go during Friday’s one-day teacher strike.
The district said families that cannot keep their children at home during the teacher walkout can bring their kids to the designated locations, made up of more than 100 CPS schools, 80 Chicago Park District facilities, 80 Chicago Public Library locations and Safe Haven locations.
“Chicago’s students need to be in their classrooms with their teachers, and their leaders need to be at the bargaining table so that we can reach a final agreement and present a united front to end Springfield’s discriminatory education funding formula that shortchanges Chicago children,” the district said in a statement. “CPS remains at the bargaining table, and we believe a final agreement is possible, since we already reached a tentative agreement with the CTU leadership in January. While it’s unfortunate that CTU leadership is pushing an illegal strike, CPS is committed to providing all of our students with safe environments that will keep them fed and engaged.”
Chicago Teachers Union delegates voted last week to approve a one-day school walkout Friday. The teachers union has said the “April 1 showdown” would address the lack of a state budget that has affected school funding.
CTU President Karen Lewis has said teachers are encouraged to picket in the morning and gather downtown with other unions at the Thompson Center for a rally.
The walkout means CPS schools would be shut down for the second Friday in row after schools closed March 25 as part of three unpaid furlough days for teachers.
Claypool said teachers who do not have a "legitimate reason" not to be at school will not be paid.
Local
"This illegal strike we believe is a shame because it plays into Gov. Rauner's hands," Claypool said.
Lewis argued, however, the walkout is legal, and that negotiations are set to take place Thursday.
April 1 will not count for student attendance, CPS said.
The designated locations will offer kids online learning opportunities, physical education, and arts and crafts programming. Students who attend will be given free breakfast and lunch.
CPS Central Office staff will be deployed to schools to help with children at the facilities, officials said.
The Chicago Transit Authority will also offer free transportation for all students Friday.
Families are being urged to register online if they plan to bring their children to a contingency site Friday. A full list of locations can be found here.
The YMCA of Metro Chicago's School Days Out program will also offer a place for kids to go Friday. Registration for the program can be found here.
The locations include:
High Ridge YMCA
2424 W. Touhy Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645
773.262.8300
Fee: $35 members; $45 non-members
Registration: Online, over the phone or in person
Time offered: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Activities: Swimming, arts and crafts, physical activities, sports
Please Bring: Snack, water bottle, lunch, towel and swimsuit
Irving Park YMCA
4251 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60641
773.777.7500
Fee: $50 members; $80 non-members
Registration: Parents must register one day prior. New families will need to register in person. Families in after-school programming or who have attended School Days Out this school year may register over the phone.
Time offered: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Activities: Swimming, arts and crafts, sports, group games, playground if weather allows.
Please bring: Nut-free lunch and snack, gym shoes and swimsuit. An emergency packet is required for new participants.
Lake View YMCA
3333 N. Marshfield, Chicago, IL 60657
773.248.3333
Fee: $50 members; $60 non-members
Registration: In person
Time offered: 7a.m.-6 p.m.
Activities: Group games, arts and crafts, swimming, sports, enrichment activities
Please bring: Snack, water bottle, lunch, towel and swimsuit. Children should dress according to the weather.
McCormick Tribune YMCA
1834 N. Lawndale Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647
773.235.2525
Fee: $50 members and non-members
Registration: In person or by phone. Parents will need to complete a registration form upon check in.
Time offered: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Activities: Swimming, arts and crafts, physical activities, sports
Please bring: Lunch and snack
Rauner Family YMCA
2700 S. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608
773.847.3115
Fee: $25 members; $45 non-members
Registration: In person or by phone
Time offered: 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Activities: Arts and crafts, sports, games
South Chicago YMCA
3039 E. 91st Street, Chicago, IL 60617
773.721.9100
Fee: $28 members; $56 non-members
Registration: In person or by phone
Time offered: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m
Activities: Arts and crafts, swimming, fitness, games
South Side YMCA
6330 S. Stony Island, Chicago, IL 60637
773.947.0700
Fee: $30 members; $50 non-members
Registration: Online, over the phone or in person
Time offered: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Activities: Crafts, outdoor games, swim lessons and recreational swimming, sports
West Communities YMCA
6235 S. Homan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60629
773.434.0300
Fee: $25 members; $45 non-members
Registration: In person or by phone
Time offered: 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Activities: Swimming, arts and crafts, reading
