CTU chief: Deal likely today but classes may not resume until Monday (Chicago Teacher's Union)

Source: Chicago Tribune

As negotiations began this morning between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools, the two sides said they were still confident of reaching an agreement today but were divided on how soon classes can resume.

On a scale of 1-10, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said "I'm a 9" on a deal being reached today. But she said classes may not resume until Monday because the union's House of Delegates would have to approve ending the strike.

"We're hoping we can tighten up some of the things we talked about yesterday. . .and get this thing done," Lewis told reporters.

Barbara Byrd-Bennett, chief education officer with Chicago Public Schools, was equally confident of a deal today but said she still thinks kids could be back in school on Friday.

"I can really, really say to you, if we stick to the issues, unless something really nutsy happens, kids can be back in school (tomorrow)."

Read more: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-both-sides-see-progress-as-teachers-strike-reaches-day-4-20120912,0,482612.story