Chicago Teachers Vote on Contract

Chicago teachers voted on a tentative contract agreement Tuesday as the battle over the future of the city's public schools ratcheted up with a large and boisterous rally in support of privately run charter schools.

Several thousand charter supporters waved pompoms and glow sticks at the UIC Pavilion, a surge of energy comparable to what was seen in several rallies last month by Chicago Teachers Union members and backers who oppose charters. The rally, co-sponsored by a large charter operator, was attended by many parents.

"It's important for me to get her on a path to attend a university," said Barbara Bartolomei, 42, of her daughter, who's in kindergarten at a charter school. "Charter schools mean business."