Chicago Public Schools (CPS) will maintain Friday, May 1, as a full instructional day, as originally scheduled in the 2025-26 academic calendar. An agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) reflects the District’s consistent position that the school day proceeds as scheduled, while allowing schools to offer lesson plans on civic engagement and action or join local related events. A CPS-CTU Memorandum of Understanding outlines the agreement and highlights include:

Expectations for Staff
All staff are expected to report to work as scheduled and work a full day. Any use of benefit days (personal business or zero days) must follow each school’s established notice and approval processes. Central office teams will work to support schools on May 1. 

Optional Participation in May 1 Civic Engagement Events
Principals may exercise their existing authority to provide students the opportunity to participate in events and field trips, including civic engagement activities on May 1 during the school day. Schools wishing to participate must follow the existing CPS student travel policy and normal field trip procedures. Participation in May 1 local events is completely voluntary and is at the discretion of school leaders. No student is obligated to participate; they can opt to stay in school.  No staff member is obligated to participate, nor are staff excused from normal duty for the purposes of their own participation.