Chicago Reform Advocates Assail Teacher Contract

By Ann Bradley

A tentative contract agreement for Chicago teachers came under immediate fire last week from Illinois politicians and Chicago school-reform advocates who complained that teachers did not agree to enough concessions and that it would undercut principals and school-governance councils.

The two-year pact, announced Oct. 9 after an all-night bargaining session, is the first step toward balancing the district's budget. The school board is also waiting for the state legislature to approve a $276 million borrowing plan.

In the meantime, the federal judge who has been keeping Chicago schools open has indicated that he would continue to do so until the...