The weekend before classes start at year-round schools, Karen Lewis told the Chicago Sun-Times many big issues remain on the bargaining table -- and that there's no chance the teachers contract that expired June 30 will be resolved by Monday. Those hurdles include teachers pay and benefits.
Lewis said her teachers need to be ready to strike. Next Friday, August 17, is the earliest date that the union can walk out.
CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard responded to Lewis' statement on ABC7 News This Morning. He said CPS and the teachers union are "making progress."
"Teachers are preparing for the opening of school. Many of them are on professional development session and are getting ready," Brizzard said. "We have to come to a resolution to make sure we don't have a strike this September. We are doing everything possible to prevent that."
