CPS Board President Candidate Backs Decision to Keep May 1 as School Day (Chicago, IL) – Chicago Public Schools Board of Education President candidate Jessica Biggs is voicing support for CPS CEO Dr. Maqueline King’s decision to keep May 1 as a regular school day, emphasizing the importance of consistency for working families.
In a statement released Thursday, Biggs said maintaining the previously scheduled school day ensures parents have adequate time to plan for childcare and work obligations.
“Dr. King made the right choice by making sure May 1 continues to be a school day,” Biggs said. “The CPS schedule is published well in advance to make sure working parents can plan and provide appropriate care for their kids. A few weeks notice of a day off just isn’t responsible or fair to them.”
The decision comes as some have called for schools to close in recognition of May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, a date historically associated with labor rights demonstrations and events, particularly in Chicago.
Biggs acknowledged the significance of the holiday while maintaining that school operations should remain unchanged.
“May Day, or International Workers Day, is an important moment to recognize workers and the labor movement—especially here in Chicago,” she said. “Those who’d like to participate and protest should, of course, do so. But working families need to know they can send their children to school as planned.”
Biggs also praised King’s leadership during the situation, calling her decision-making “calm and principled” and reaffirming her support for the CPS chief.
Biggs, a CPS parent, former teacher and principal, and current Board of Education member, is running for Board President in the November 2026 election.
CPS Board President Candidate Backs Decision to Keep May 1 as School Day
