THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

That's because it reflects the values of this administration and CPS, and is rooted in our shared vision for equity. It delivers tangible gains where they are most needed, and where they will have the greatest impact.

It includes a commitment to increase staffing for wraparound services - a nurse and a social worker in every school within five years, beginning with the highest-need schools. It includes investments in additional support staff and smaller class sizes for the schools where the need is greatest. And it includes new supports for students experiencing homelessness - something I've long advocated for. All of this is in the contract, in writing. It will get done.

The key objectives for Dr. Jackson and I were accomplished in reaching this agreement. And more importantly, our students and families will reap great benefits from it. The agreement has a five-year term. It is financially responsible. It honors our teachers and school staff - all of whom will see a 16 percent raise over the course of the contract. And it is true to our values.

CTU has also accomplished a great deal for their membership with this agreement. They raised a number of important issues that impact our students and families — from increased funding for sports and athletics, better supports for our diverse learners, highlighting the importance of restorative justice, and more. And on these and many others, I am confident in saying that our teams were able to come to agreement in a way that will deliver tangible improvements, and make a real difference for our students.

These past 11 days have not been easy on our CPS family. To all those who stepped up to ensure our students and families had the support and resources they needed during this strike, we as a city thank you.

I would be remiss if I did not address what has been lost over the course of this strike. Seniors' efforts at early college admissions were compromised; athletes missed out on competitions; students were not able to take the PSAT; and more. We will do everything in our power to mitigate the harms and keep our students moving forward to fulfill their destinies. Now is the time to come back together, and get back to school. I am confident that we will heal together—as a city and a school community.

Bottom line, we are proud of this agreement. And we are excited about what CPS students will accomplish for the remainder of this school year, and in the years to come. Let's keep moving forward together, in the best interest of our students.

—From a press release