STATEMENT

IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Stephanie Gadlin

October 9, 2014 312-329-6250




Chicago Teachers Union Statement, Medical Update on President Karen Lewis

CHICAGOChicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Karen Lewis underwent successful surgery
yesterday for a serious illness and is recovering well.

During President Lewis recovery, CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey will assume the duties of the
president according to the rules set forth in the CTU Constitution and By-laws.

Out of respect to President Lewis wishes, the wishes of her family, and their privacy, we cannot
provide details on her condition, but we wish her all the best and pledge all of our supportboth in
aiding her recovery and in carrying on the work of the CTU about which she cares so deeply,
Sharkey said.

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The Chicago Teachers Union represents 30,000 teachers and educational support personnel working in the Chicago
Public Schools, and by extension, the more than 400,000 students and families they serve. The CTU is an affiliate of
the American Federation of Teachers and the Illinois Federation of Teachers and is the third largest teachers local in
the United States and the largest local union in Illinois. For more information please visit CTUs website at
www.ctunet.com.
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