Chicago Teachers Union members at Instituto del Progreso Latino in Little Village have reached a tentative agreement with Chicago Public Schools over the weekend.
“Today marks the return of students and educators to the classroom!” said Yulye Hidalgo, the Instituto’s development and communications manager, in a statement. “Our dedication to nurturing a collaborative and supportive atmosphere for both our staff and students remains unwavering.”
CPS officials referred questions to Instituto del Progreso Latino.
Members of the union working at Instituto Health Science Career Academy and Instituto Justice and Leadership Academy went on strike last Tuesday demanding better wages and more resources. The strike has been suspended after the union reached a tentative contract late Saturday with the school district, according to a post from the union on X.
The agreement includes gains in special education staffing, recruitment and retaining of bilingual staff and support staff like librarians and school nurses, according to the union, which represents 48 staff members at both Instituto schools.
The schools focus on bilingual education, which the majority of the 550 students across both schools need urgently. The union also demanded better resources for the 130 students with special education needs.
“We have kids that are lost. They need extra support within the classroom,” Maureen O’Donnell, who teaches world history, civics and consumer education, told the Chicago Sun-Times last week.
Last week, the schools’ chief operating officer, Carlos Jaramillo, accused the union of acting to “further their own political agenda” and refusing to bargain in good faith.
CTU didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Contributing: Nader Issa
