CPS to offer Chicago teachers raises up to 5% in each of the next four years
In what could be a major step forward in negotiations over the Chicago Teachers Union contract, Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez announced Thursday that he plans to offer the union a significant proposal for teacher raises.
The union had been waiting on this proposal, which a source in the mayor’s office said it had greenlighted weeks ago. It includes annual raises between 4% and 5%.
And it comes as Martinez got a pledge of support from nearly 400 principals and assistant principals, representing about half of all district-run schools. WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times reported earlier this month that the mayor’s office was looking to replace Martinez.
The CEO has been clashing with the mayor’s office and Chicago Teachers Union leaders, who are aligned. At issue is how to address huge looming budget deficits and historical underfunding. The mayor and CTU want continued investments in schools, saying the district cannot go backward.
But Martinez and his team have been pushing back on some of the demands from the mayor’s office and the CTU, saying they want investment too but the district needs to be fiscally responsible. The CEO is currently appointed by the mayor, and in the past, leaders in that position have always followed the mayor’s direction.
Martinez had been under pressure to offer an economic proposal. The CTU contract expired in June and talks have been ongoing for the last several months.
At a regularly scheduled bargaining session on Friday, Martinez plans to offer union members 4% raises in 2025 and between 4% and 5% raises in each of the next three years, depending on inflation, according to a statement from CPS. The district plans to expand health care and dental coverage without increasing costs for employees.
The district says the current average salary for teachers is $94,300.
Teachers union leaders declined to comment on the proposal because they said they have not officially received it. They have been in the midst of tense contract negotiations with the district and have directed much of their ire at Martinez.
The principals who signed the letter, submitted to the board on Thursday, came to Martinez’s defense. They stressed the need for stability and praised Martinez and his team for “cultivating an inclusive and collaborative culture.” They urged the Chicago Board of Education to keep Martinez on as CEO.
Many of the administrators who signed the letter are members of the Chicago Principals & Administrators Association, but the organization itself did not sign on to the letter.
The association's leader argued that Martinez needs to do more for principals as they try to bargain their first contract. The association just received collective bargaining rights this spring.
President Troy LaRaviere said the letter from the principals was organized by school leaders who “are just a little bit out of touch.” He cited a survey of his members that showed some 70% did not think their school budgets were sufficient to meet the needs of their students and staff, and they feel like this administration ties their hands too much.
LaRaviere said one of the association's first contract asks is that “principals be treated with dignity and respect.” He said management struck that provision. He also said Martinez should show he is worthy of principals' support by bringing them into discussions over some teacher union proposals that could have “unintended consequences” on the larger school community.
Sarah Karp covers education for WBEZ. Follow her on X @WBEZeducation and @sskedreporter.