Chicago Public Schools to Start Year with Remote-Only Classes

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has announced that classes in Chicago Public Schools will be fully remote next year, according to The New York Times.

The decision will avoid a possible strike from the Chicago teachers union, which serves 361,000 students in more than 600 schools.

Lightfoot said the decision was based on "public health data and the invaluable feedback we've received from parents and families."

The move comes as school districts around the country struggle with how to move forward with K through 12 learning during the coronavirus pandemic. Only five of the largest school districts in the United States will open their doors for some form of in-person learning. That includes the New York City public school system.

"A win for teachers, students and parents," Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey tweeted Tuesday. "It’s sad that we have to strike or threaten to strike to be heard, but when we fight we win!"

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