Chicago officials say all schools will remain open if there's a teachers strike this month. Chicago Public Schools say schools will provide free breakfast and lunch to students in need. Staff from the district's central office will be dispatched to schools to help with online learning, physical education and arts and crafts. Principals and security staff will remain in schools. However, classes and extracurricular activities will be canceled.
City officials say other options through the city's park system and libraries will be open for alternative child care options.
The Chicago Teachers Union and school district officials have been in contract negotiations for over a year on issues including pension contributions and raises. CTU officials have said if there isn't an agreement, they'll strike on Oct. 11.
