Chicago agrees to hire more teachers to make longer schedule possible

From The Chicago Sun-Times: After months of acrimony culminating in a strike authorization vote, the Chicago Teachers Union and the school system have reached an agreement that could help avert a strike and pave the way for a longer school day. Instead of requiring teachers to work a longer day, the school district has agreed to hire more teachers to handle “enrichment programs” such as art and music. Teachers will continue to work the same hours they do now. Additional time in the classroom will be handled by the new hires. Still to be determined is how a school system trying to close a nearly $700 million deficit can afford to hire more teachers.

EARLIER....from The Chicago Tribune: Both the Chicago Teachers Union and the Chicago school board have rejected an arbitrator's report that called for sizable pay increases for teachers. The report recommended teacher raises of 15 to 20 percent in the first year and 35.74 percent at the end of a four-year contract. The union indicated it will push for a deal that gives members greater job security and a say in how the district carries out its plan for a longer school day. The district has indicated it won't budge on its plans for a longer day, but in light of the arbitrator's findings, the district may have no choice but to listen to the teachers' demands.

Read the arbitrator's report (PDF file).