It means we speak as one. When someone says, “I spoke with principals,” you may have noticed that we push back. That’s because if they didn’t speak to our union, they didn’t speak to us. Politicians, CPS officials, or anyone else can no longer handpick a few individuals and claim to have engaged the voice of school leaders. That’s not consultation. That’s not consideration. That’s union-busting dressed as collaboration. CPAA is our voice—elected by us, made up of us, and mandated to represent all of us. That’s why we say, “My union speaks for me.” It doesn’t mean things are about to get combative. We’ve all seen how contentious contract negotiations can become, and some wonder if that same level of conflict is in store for us. It’s not. Our CBA negotiations are private by design, allowing for thoughtful progress without the pressure of public posturing. And CPAA voluntarily waived the right to strike, so there will never be a scenario where school leaders are the reason children are turned away from their school doors. That’s a fundamental difference in approach, and it should reassure both the public and our members. It doesn’t mean we ignore individual needs, but it does mean we prioritize collective solutions. We understand that every principal’s reality is different, and we want to hear those experiences. But as a union, we organize around shared challenges. One-off issues matter, but they gain real traction when they’re part of a larger strategy to change systems, not just circumstances. It doesn’t mean you can’t engage with other groups or organizations. But understand where real power lies. You’re free to join other associations, attend panels, and participate in conversations… that’s your right, and we support it. Engaging with others can help you grow, build networks, and strengthen your practice as a leader. But when it comes to protecting your rights, improving your working conditions, and making your voice count in a legally binding way, CPAA is the only organization with that authority.
It means CPAA is your official legal representative. We’re the ones negotiating on your behalf. Others can share ideas, but only CPAA can turn your concerns into protections. Dialogue is important, but unionization is what changes laws, creates rules, and shapes policy. It means we are building power through structure. As an association, we could ask. As a union, we can demand. We now have formal processes, legal protections, and a bargaining structure that can’t be ignored. This includes grievance procedures, rights enforcement, and real negotiations. Our leverage comes not just from our numbers but from the organized way we show up. It means we negotiate a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), not just a “contract.” We often hear the word “contract” tossed around, but let’s be precise: the performance contract principals have is with their Local School Councils (LSCs). The CBA we’re now fighting for is about how CPS must treat us: our rights, our responsibilities, and our working conditions across the district. Understanding and using that language matters. It doesn’t mean we’ll allow the narrative to be hijacked by the CPS budget. When compensation or budget shortfalls become the headline, it distracts from the deeper issues we face: autonomy, safety, accountability, resources, and respect. Budget gaps are real, but they’re a symptom not the root. The real crisis is systemic neglect, misplaced priorities, and a lack of respect for frontline leadership. Our CBA must reflect the full range of needs school leaders face and not just what the budget can tolerate. It means we’re writing our foundation, not adjusting an old one. This is our first collective bargaining agreement, and that makes it a very different kind of negotiation. We’re not tweaking an existing document, we’re creating something from scratch that reflects our profession’s dignity and complexity. That takes time, not because of conflict or delay, but because of the deliberate care needed to get it right. We expect a short-term agreement to be ready by this summer, and once it’s in place, we’ll use it as a launchpad to go even deeper in future contracts.
CPAA IS VOICE AND POWER REALIZED • 41
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