**Update: Chicago Public Schools announced schools will be closed Monday.
Chicago Teachers Union president Karen Lewis took to Twitter to slam Chicago Public Schools’ decision to stay open during Monday and Tuesday’s extreme weather. Moments later the teachers union released an official statement lambasting the district’s decision.
“We believe common sense would dictate that CPS should close schools with at least 10 inches of snow already on the ground and a record-breaking low temperature of -10 degrees forecast for Monday,” Lewis said in the statement.
CPS sent parents voice and Facebook messages Friday saying schools would be open at regular hours.
CPS representatives were noticeably absent from a city press conference on the weather, but officials said the district would open schools 90 minutes earlier than usual to accommodate children. Safe Passage workers will be on duty and will use heated vehicles to stay warm, they said.
Some shared Lewis’ feelings. Others think the district’s decision benefits children who have fewer options to stay warm, while students who stay home will get excused absences.
I'm watching ED of OEMC who just said if you can stay inside, STAY INSIDE. So why are schools open?
— Karen Lewis (@KarenLewisCTU) January 5, 2014
@ChadDWalz @KarenLewisCTU I'm on the side of safety as is Ms Lewis. Asking children to walk to school in this weather is troublesome.
— Ald. Bob Fioretti (@Fioretti2ndWard) January 5, 2014
@ourmaninchicago @Fioretti2ndWard tell Karen Lewis why they should be open. She doesn't get it.
— David L. Morin (@limodavid) January 5, 2014
Should CPS schools stay open during extreme temps Monday and Tuesday? Sound off in the comments or on Twitter @ChiTownRvw
