Members of the Chicago Teachers Union began voting on their confidence in Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool Monday, asserting that his tenure as CEO has been a failure.
“We will use the vote to publicly highlight Claypool and Rahm’s failure to advocate for our schools and students and their refusal to take the actions needed to properly fund and protect CPS,” The CTU said in a blog post.
CTU called for Claypool’s immediate resignation in February, after the school implemented budget cuts and staff reductions. The union has fervently opposed Claypool, who’s tenure has been dogged by intense contract negotiations with the CTU.
CTU accused Claypool of engaging in anti-union activity and public deception. They said Claypool fired experienced teachers and eliminated hundreds of school clerks. They characterized his budget policy as “immoral.”
The union said that Claypool, who was appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in July 2015, has contributed to the financial woes of Black and Latino schools. “Separate and unequal schooling has been deepened in the district by Claypool and Rahm,” the union argued.
The union members will vote between Monday and Wednesday on whether or not they have confidence in Claypool’s leadership. The union said the result will be an overwhelming vote of no confidence. Emanuel remains supportive of his longtime ally.
“Forrest has my complete confidence. The person who doesn’t is Bruce Rauner, and when it comes to the education of our students that’s where our collective energy should be focused,” Emanuel said, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Claypool is a longtime ally of Emanuel, and former President Barack Obama. He’s previously served as Emanuel’s transit head and his chief of staff.
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