When Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stepped up to the podium for a press conference on Thursday morning, the tone in her voice conveyed pure rage.

This was supposed to be the semester when America's largest school districts reopened.

This was supposed to be the semester when America's largest school districts reopened.

The Clark County School Board will consider Thursday a plan to reopen schools that has been dramatically reduced since it was unveiled to the public in November by district officials.

The Clark County School Board plans to consider reopening schools at Thursday’s meeting. This comes as secondary students in the Washoe County School District prepare to start a hybrid schedule next week, where they attend campus part time.

Since the pandemic began, teacher unions have played a significant role in the process of reopening public schools. This role has been characterized by a very cautious stance in allowing teachers to return to campus. And although not all districts must negotiate with their unions in order to open their doors, the truth is that, without the blessing of the union, will teachers go to work? Asks Bradley Marianno, a teaching assistant at the University. of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Throughout the pandemic, teachers’ unions in many states and large districts have played a powerful role in negotiating school closures and reopenings. And with coronavirus cases surging around the nation, the labor groups are continuing to flex their political muscle, most often pushing for a more conservative approach to getting teachers and kids back in buildings.

In his victory speech, President-elect Joe Biden said it was a “great day” for America’s educators because “one of your own” would be in the White House, referring to his wife, Jill Biden, a member of the country’s largest teachers union.