Dispute Arrives: School Board's Role in CTU Talks Questioned

Alderman Gilbert Villegas recently sent a letter to Illinois state authorities, expressing concerns about school board members' involvement in ongoing teacher contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). The letter, delivered to Attorney General Kwame Raoul and State Superintendent Tony Sanders, highlights alleged unfair labor practices and breaches of fiduciary duty. Villegas believes that the board's actions might be impacting both sides unfairly. The CTU contract expired in June, and despite months of negotiations, an agreement hasn't been reached. The situation is complicated by the election of President Donald Trump, which has added urgency to the talks. Some aldermen, including Villegas, question the school board’s allegiance with Mayor Brandon Johnson and CTU, as Johnson is a former teacher and CTU organizer himself. Villegas worries about conflicts of interest. He argues that the board and the CTU might be "cutting out" the district’s CEO, Pedro Martinez, from the negotiations. Under Illinois state code, Martinez is the only one with the authority to negotiate these agreements. Villegas finds it troubling that the board might be discussing contract details prematurely, as their role is to approve the agreement after the CEO and staff have settled on one. The CTU, however, denies any wrongdoing, calling Villegas' accusations absurd and legally incoherent. They argue that the CEO doesn't operate independently from the board or school district. The CEO and board should collaborate, ensuring the students' and community’s needs are met. Despite the ongoing financial dispute that led to the resignation of all board members in October, a new board was quickly appointed by Mayor Johnson. Although both the union and district report progress in negotiations, Villegas' letter suggests blurred lines between the board and the CTU. The alderman calls for an investigation into whether the board’s involvement in CTU matters breaches labor practices. Villegas references a 1984 Illinois Appellate Court case that emphasizes the invalidity of board decisions with conflicts of interest. He asks state officials to provide an opinion on how to address these concerns.