*** UPDATE 1 *** There’s a huge union rally planned for Saturday, so maybe that played into it a bit?…

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said Thursday that it would be “highly unlikely” that students will return to school Friday but was more hopeful for Monday.

“I’m praying, praying, praying. I’m on my knees for that,” Lewis said about students’ return to school Monday.

Casting doubt on a return to school for students by Friday, Lewis questioned if there was enough time to go through all the details that both sides still need to address Thursday and then get it to the union’s House of Delegates for the necessary vote to end the strike.

*** UPDATE 2 *** Tribune…

As negotiations began this morning between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools, the two sides said they were still confident of reaching an agreement today but were divided on how soon classes can resume.

On a scale of 1-10, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said “I’m a 9″ on a deal being reached today. But she said classes may not resume until Monday because the union’s House of Delegates would have to approve ending the strike.

“We’re hoping we can tighten up some of the things we talked about yesterday. . .and get this thing done,” Lewis told reporters.

[ *** End Of Updates *** ]

* Sun-Times…

Two sides in the battle to end a Chicago teachers strike emerged from Wednesday night talks hopeful that students might be back in school Friday.

CTU President Karen Lewis said her message to parents was “for sure, plan for something for your children for [Thursday]. Let’s hope for Friday.’’

School Board President David Vitale agreed. He called the talks “very productive” and said “we’ll hope for Friday.”

After a long day of talks that ended around 11:30 p.m., Lewis said the system’s offer on teacher evaluations, a key stumbling block, had improved to the point that “I’m smiling. I’m very happy.’’

Although she was not ready to check it off her list, “it’s a lot better,’’ Lewis said.

* Tribune…

The progress was reported after Chicago Public Schools officials presented a revised contract proposal to the union on Tuesday and it was reviewed and discussed during talks Wednesday.

Under the proposal, teacher raises would be structured differently, as requested by the union; evaluations of tenured teachers during the first year could not result in dismissal; later evaluations could be appealed; and health insurance rates would hold steady if the union agreed to take part in a wellness program.

The new proposal also removes the district’s ability to rescind raises because of an economic crisis. The board stripped teachers of a 4 percent raise last year, sparking union distrust of the mayor.

The issues of recall and how to evaluate teachers have been cited as crucial in recent days, while there has been little if any debate over a proposed salary boost that would average 16 percent over four years.

Interesting.

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