Teachers Don't Strike Deal, But Remain Upbeat

The Chicago Teachers Union and Public Schools Board failed to strike a deal in time to get kids back to classes today, but remain optimistic that something would get done sooner rather than later. Negotiations broke off around 12:45am, the Chicago Tribune reports, after what CPS Board President David Vitale called "another good day of work." Vitale said getting a deal in time for today's 2pm union meeting was "realistic."

Union President Karen Lewis was less committal. "There were some creative ideas passed around, but we still do not have a deal," she said. Asked if kids would be in classes Monday, she replied, "I don't know. I certainly hope so." In the meantime, parents are getting anxious. Many are looking into charter and private schools, Reuters reports. "We're seeing some uptick in inquiries," the superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago said. (More Chicago stories.)