YOUR MEMBERSHIP AT WORK
With the formal hurdle of HB297 now behind us, our focus is on securing our first-ever collective bargaining agreement (CBA). But it’s also important to recognize that the way we operate has fundamentally changed. CPAA is no longer just operating as an association— we are a legally recognized union, with both the rights and responsibilities that come with that designation.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
Members drive our priorities. Unlike before, contract negotiations are shaped directly by your input. Through surveys, breakout sessions, and discussions, your voice determines what we fight for at the table. Exclusive access to critical updates and decisions. As a union, bargaining details and contract votes are available only to members. If you’re not a member, you don’t have a say in the contract that will govern your career.
We have legal bargaining power. Before, CPAA could advocate, but CPS didn’t have to listen. Now, they’re legally required to negotiate with us in good faith. Our union status ensures enforceable protections. In the past, principals and assistant principals (APs) had no formal labor rights. Once we secure a contract, we will have legally binding protections against unfair treatment, sudden
policy changes, and unreasonable demands. Our strength depends on membership.
Our strength at the bargaining table depends on how many school leaders stand with us. If you know a principal or AP who isn’t a member yet, now is the time to encourage them to join.
NOW MORE THAN EVER, MEMBERSHIP MATTERS.
Our ability to secure strong protections, fair wages, and reasonable working conditions depends on every principal and AP standing together. Just this year, we’ve already accomplished so much— imagine what we will achieve when we negotiate our first-ever CBA: Victory for school leaders: CPAA and CPS finalized an agreement to provide a 4% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all principals, assistant principals, acting principals, and interim principals for the 2024-2025 school year—matching the COLA secured by CTU in their recent negotiations. HB297 is now law. Our CPAA-authored bill was signed by the governor thanks to our unflappable insistence and tenacity. Increased visibility. We’ve raised our profile in the media, with Chicago legislators and across Illinois.
Defeated harmful legislation. We helped quash a bill from the FUND that would have undermined principal and AP autonomy by expanding LSC control. Stopped an unfair CPS survey. We pushed back against a survey that would have unfairly held principals and APs accountable for issues outside their control—with disciplinary consequences attached. Reshaped communication with the Board of Education. We’ve insisted on more input and a more regular cadence of discussions. Held the line against harmful contract provisions. We’ve stood firm and public against the most damaging aspects of the teachers’ union contract.
18 • CPAA QUARTERLY MAG | Q3 AND Q4 2025
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