* Press release…

State Senator Robert Peters is leading a measure that would allow principals and assistant principals in the city of Chicago to collectively bargain.

“For far too long, Chicago principals have not had a say in the work environment and procedures that affect them, as well as their students,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “Chicago principals have a voice when it comes to their working conditions, and their voice deserves to be heard and valued.”

By clarifying which educators are considered qualifies “managerial employees”, House Bill 5107 ensures principals and assistant principals in Chicago will have the right to unionize.

“CPS is not only the largest school district in the state, but one of the largest in the nation,” Peters said. “With its size and staffing shortages come unique challenges that need to be addressed. I believe we should trust its principals to help create solutions to build a better work environment.”

If signed, principals and assistant principals could negotiate a work contract to focus time on developing teachers and school culture instead of dealing with problems that fall under the district’s responsibility.

School administrators in New York, California, New Hampshire, Alaska, Connecticut and several other states have collective bargaining rights.

House Bill 5107 passed the Senate Friday and awaits the governor’s approval.

The bill passed the House last March 63-35, but received significant bipartisan support in the Senate today when it passed 45-7.

* From the bill synopsis…

Amends the Chicago School District Article of the School Code. Repeals provisions concerning exemption from bargaining unit membership. Amends the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Act. With respect to an educational employer of the Chicago school district, provides that (i) a supervisor shall be considered an “educational employee” unless the supervisor is also a managerial employee and (ii) a “managerial employee” means an individual who has a significant role in the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements or who formulates and determines employer-wide management policies and practices, including a general superintendent of schools (rather than an individual who is engaged predominantly in executive and management functions and is charged with the responsibility of directing the effectuation of such management policies and practices). In provisions concerning strikes, prohibits educational supervisors employed in the Chicago school district whose position requires an administrative license from engaging in a strike. Effective January 1, 2023.

Mayor Lightfoot has been able to keep this proposal bottled up for quite a while, but not today.

…Adding… The mayor changed positions…

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR’S OFFICE SPOKESPERSON

“The City of Chicago commends the passage of House Bill 5107 and encourages its statewide expansion to benefit schools all across Illinois. This bill supports principals who have been on the frontlines, especially in recent years, and under CEO Martinez, CPS will continue to work hand in hand with principals to achieve academic excellence—a goal that should be implemented statewide.”