the issues
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■ CTU pay opener: Union opened talks by asking for a two-year contract, with a 24 percent raise in Year One to make up for what they say is a 20 percent longer school day (CPS says it will be only 10 percent longer) and the 4 percent raise they lost this school year due to a deficit. They sought a five percent raise the second year.
■ CPS pay response: Cash-strapped CPS responded with an offer of a five-year contract, with a 2 percent raise the first year, a freeze the second year and raises in years three to five based on a new “differentiated’’ pay structure that would not even be discussed until January. It could offer more pay to teachers of high-need subjects, those in high-need schools, those in leadership positions, or those who produce unusually large student academic growth, including on tests.
■ Other issues: class size contract language; what happens to laid off or displaced teachers; health care costs; teacher preparation and training time.
