Chicago Teachers Union Makes Progress as CPS CEO Martinez Wins Temporary Restraining Order

The head of the Chicago Teachers Union announced steps forward in the union’s contract negotiations, despite a judge ordering a temporary restraining order in favor of Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez against the school board on Tuesday. “We remain very close to a historic deal with CPS. Today, we made considerable headway by lowering class sizes, growing the number of libraries and librarians, and expanding sports and art programs for the city’s public schools,” said a statement from CTU leaders. “Since the beginning of the collective bargaining process, we have been laser-focused on ensuring that our students and their families have a high-quality school day that meets their social, emotional and academic needs,” said the statement in part. Earlier in the day, a judge granted Martinez a temporary restraining order against members of the Chicago Board of Education, who had voted last Friday to fire him without cause. The order bars board members from interfering with CTU contract negotiations or diminishing Martinez’s authority. Martinez’s attorney, William Quinlan, explained the ruling: “The board cannot obstruct Mr. Martinez’s job duties, interfere with negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union, diminish his role, or instruct his staff.” The court clash stems from tension...