Chicago officials seek waiver for sports if teachers strike

Chicago Public Schools officials are seeking a waiver that would allow students to participate in sports if teachers go on strike.

CPS on Thursday said it’s sent a letter to the Illinois High School Association seeking permission for the district’s 11,000 student-athletes to practice and compete during a strike.

About 90 percent of certified coaches in the district belong to the union, which issued a 10-day strike notice on Wednesday. IHSA bylaws prohibit interscholastic activities during a strike.

School officials say they want to preserve playoff and scholarship opportunities for athletes.

The letter also asks for clarification on whether teams can practice during a strike if they’re supervised by a certified coach.

Students already have begun competing in football, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis and volleyball.