Chicago Public Schools students return to classroom

CHICAGO (WLS) -- More than 300,000 Chicago Public Schools students returned to the classroom on Monday.

It was an earlier start to the school year than years past for the fourth-largest school district in the country.

Ringing in the school-year, Mayor Brandon Johnson and CEO Pedro Martinez began their first-day tour at Jacob Beidler Elementary.

"I love Beidler," parent Melissa Ware said. "I think it's a great school. I'm glad I brought my boys here."

Her boys, brothers Michael and Marshawn, have mixed feelings.

"Excited but also a little nervous," said eighth-grader Michael Riggians.

"I don't like doing work. I really only work I like is math, because it's easy," said fifth-grader Marshawn Riggians.

But with new bookbags, shoes, outfits and supplies, the students at Beidler are certainly ready, especially to see students and staff they missed this summer:

"I get to see my teachers that I haven't seen over the summer," said fourth-grader Zahavi Lopez. "It's hard for me to read, because I have problems with reading and writing and spelling. So, I really want to learn how to do it."

"I feel actually very confident in him this year. I told him this year he's going to be tutoring a lot more with me," said Zahavi's aunt, Shanty Caceres.

City officials then made their way to Brighton Park Elementary. Johnson was seen sitting with students in their new classrooms.

"You're going save my administration, because people want me to hurry up. Do you know, I've been mayor for a hundred days?" Johnson said.

Parents were grateful for his visit and that the kids are back in the classroom.

"Higher education. Hopefully a good start, and safe, especially," said Komilya Barfield.

"Just the jitters back to school but besides that they were looking forward to it. They were talking about it for the last couple weeks," added Monae Watkins.

Johnson helped hand out the 6,000 free pizzas given to thousands of students across 25 different elementary schools on the South and West sides.

"Investing in our young people, investing in families and strengthening our education system, that is the pathway to success," Johnson said.

But, with temperatures forecast to hit the 90s, the headline for the first week of school is dealing with the heat.

With hot days ahead, some are concerned about heat inside schools.

"When it's hot, we don't bring them outside, so we have spaces inside for recess. We make sure that they get dropped off and are able to get go right inside, so they don't have to wait outside," said Jackie Robinson Elementary Principal Gretta Ellis.

CPS is monitoring the situation closely, and Johnson told students at Kenwood Academy that his administration is working on plans for Wednesday and Thursday when the heat may be at its worst.

"Climate justice is an important part of my administration, as we see extreme weather impacting the entire country. And so, having buildings that are retrofitted as well as an economy that's built around green technology is something that's top of mind," Johnson said. "We're going to make sure that we work with all of our partners to ensure that we have a healthy, safe learning environments for all of our students."

Martinez said every CPS classroom has at least one window AC unit, while the hallways are not air-conditioned.

He said they have plans in place when the city is under a heat advisory. That includes bringing in a dozen portable air conditioners, like some seen Monday at George Washington Elementary.

Large fans are being used in the cafeteria at Kenwood Academy to keep different areas around the building cool.

"They have special procedures they follow for recess, for gym. Our team has been working around the clock all of last week and this weekend. Any systems that are having issues, we are getting those resolved over the weekend," Martinez said.

Johnson said they are working on a plan to address the heat, but brushed off questions about it.

And, as the school year gets underway, CPS is also facing challenges in getting bus drivers. The district has been prioritizing diverse learning students and those experiencing homelessness.

There is also the ongoing teacher shortage, but that situation is improving, even though there are still 1,000 vacancies.

"We are at a record low vacancy rate, under 4.5%. So we're still hiring, but we have over 500 more teachers in our classrooms today than ever before. Over almost 800 paraprofessionals are also in our classrooms," Martinez said.

The district is also sending people to the migrant shelters to help get those children registered for school.

Alderman LaMont Robinson, whose 4th Ward includes Kenwood Academy, said he'd like to see businesses partner with CPS through an adopt a school program to provide needed resources, whether additional air conditioners or things like school supplies.