Chicago Teachers Union approves COVID-19 protocols as students return for in-person learning

The Chicago Teachers Union voted late Wednesday to approve a new set of COVID-19 protocols, the union announced, ending a dispute with Chicago Public Schools that resulted in several days of canceld classes. But the union said the agreement "covers only a portion" of its proposed safety protocols and vowed to continue efforts to push for further health measures. 

"We are pleased we have come to an agreement that guarantees predictability and stability for the rest of the school year," Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez said in a joint statement after the measures were approved. "We all agree we must prioritize the health and well-being of everyone in our school. communities including our kids, families, and staff." 

The agreement includes expanded COVID testing, specific thresholds for when individual schools can switch to remote learning and requirements for the district to provice KN-95 masks. It passed with 55.5% of the union voting in favor, CTU said.