Agreement reached on longer Chicago school day

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis says an agreement to staff a longer school day by hiring back tenured teachers is a “step in the right direction” as tense contract negotiations continue with the city.

Lewis said Tuesday there are still many unresolved contract issues including health care, pay and teacher evaluation. An official with knowledge of contract negotiations says Chicago Public Schools will hire additional teachers for enrichment programs so current teachers won’t have to work longer.

Teachers sought more pay when the school day was recently extended. It was one of the disagreements leading to fears of a teachers’ strike. Teachers recently authorized a strike if talks break down.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was not to be officially announced until later Tuesday.