John,
We are pleased that after a difficult few days, Chicago kids are back in the classroom.
Amid recent disruptions to in-person learning, Mayor Lori Lightfoot worked hard to reach a science-based solution that ensures safety and stability for our school communities. Thankfully, we were able to find a resolution that got kids safely back where they belong: in the classroom.
Since day one of this pandemic, the Mayor has followed the science. Data shows us that, because of the massive investments we’ve made in school safety — including vaccination, testing, PPE, ventilation and more — our schools are the safest place for kids to be right now. And we have the best practices in place to move individual classrooms or schools to remote learning, without disrupting in-person schooling for the rest of the district.
The return to safe, in-person learning comes as a great relief to Chicago parents, many of whom have been forced to choose between watching their children at home and showing up for work.
We know that students' unrestricted access to the highest-quality, public education is absolutely vital to their overall well being. That's why Mayor Lightfoot is grateful to have reached a solution that keeps school communities safe, and keeps kids in school.
Thank you,
— Team Lightfoot
PS: If you know a CPS kid or family who needs access to a vaccine, please encourage them to sign up right away by clicking here.