Chicago teachers remain on strike for a second day Friday as negotiations continue between the Chicago Teachers Union and the city and schools management. Though the city kept school buildings open, just 6,700 of over 350,000 students went to them.
On the picket lines, teachers and supporters emphasized class size and the need for more nurses and counselors. One school nurse told the Chicago Tribune that she was assigned to four schools, down from six last year, and sees kids with “Diabetes, seizures, medications, ADHD. We just got one in with post-traumatic stress. She’s a kindergartner. It’s a lot. These kids need somebody.” But with the school nurse divided between four or more schools, the kids don’t have the care they need.
The same goes for counselors, with one carrying a sign saying “Recommended counselor ratio— 250:1 My ratio—1029:1 CPS, Seriously?!?”
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says the city doesn’t have the money for nurses, counselors, librarians, and class size limits.