Chicago Public Schools to Hold Classes on May Day, Allow Student Participation in Labor Rally

Chicago Public Schools will remain open for a full day on May 1, 2026, as part of a newly reached agreement between the school district and the Chicago Teachers Union. While instruction continues as scheduled, the day has also been designated as a districtwide civic engagement day, offering students the opportunity to take part in a large labor rally marking International Workers’ Day.

The compromise follows weeks of debate between the union, which advocated for a full school closure, and district leadership, concerned with maintaining the academic calendar. Under the agreement, students from 100 schools will have access to buses and sack lunches if they attend the downtown May Day demonstration. Should transportation demands exceed available buses, city government has committed to pay for public transit cards. Participation is voluntary and requires parental permission, as per state law allowing excused absences for civic events.

The agreement further assures staff and teachers that they will not face disciplinary action if they take leave to participate in civic activities on May 1. In addition, 65 teachers will be granted release time on two dates in May to lobby state officials in Springfield for increased education funding, an allowance that marks a shift from the district’s prior reluctance to free up staff for advocacy efforts.

Looking ahead, the memorandum also establishes May 1, 2028, as a future professional development day focused on civic engagement, and calls for the creation of a joint CPS-CTU task force to develop ongoing civic programming.

School and city officials, including CPS Chief Executive Officer Macquline King and Mayor Brandon Johnson, expressed satisfaction with the compromise, emphasizing that it promotes civic involvement while preserving classroom time. Both underscored that neither student nor staff participation in the May Day events is required.

With the logistical arrangements in place, CPS will issue guidance to school leaders on fostering student engagement. The agreement comes as local and national labor activism is expected to intensify amid debates over federal policies and workers’ rights.

According to the district, May Day participation remains optional, and schools are prepared to support students and staff regardless of their decision to engage in the events. Investigation or additional action is not currently anticipated.