Mayor Brandon Johnson would benefit from CPS contract he’s negotiating

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is on leave from Chicago Public Schools while his administration negotiates its new contract. If Johnson were to return to CPS, he would be guaranteed a six-figure job.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson stands to benefit from the contract his administration is negotiating between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union.

Johnson is currently on leave from CPS but is also negotiating its contract with the CTU. If Johnson were to return to CPS, he could benefit from the same contract he’s currently negotiating.

Johnson says there is no conflict of interest, but is accruing seniority while he is Mayor. He taught from 2008-2011, falling short of five years required for a pension. But through a now-closed loophole, he qualified because he started working for CTU.

So if he returns to CPS at the end of his term in 2027, he’ll be considered a 20th year teacher despite having taught for four. CTU stands to gain even more from the contract with Johnson, a former employee, at the negotiating table.

It will also benefit the Illinois Federation of Teachers, CTU’s parent affiliate. Millions in CTU’s money goes to parent affiliates like IFT. And Johnson owes a lot CTU and IFT, who were multi-million-dollar donors to his campaign.

When IFT endorsed him, it put out a statement saying, “Brandon Johnson is the leader Chicago needs and deserves.” Now its members have an ally with final say over the provisions of the new contract for Chicago IFT members after the union was instrumental in funding Johnson’s campaign.

Ohio State professor Vladimir Kogan, who teaches political science, said there’s nothing stopping Johnson from resigning from CPS if he truly has no intention of working there after his time as mayor ends.

Johnson’s pension with CPS would range from $3.8 million to $5.5 million. Since pensions are calculated using salary data from final years working, contract provisions under negotiation could increase Johnson’s salary and his pension if he were to return.