CHICAGO (AP) – Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel spoke to a class of fifth graders Tuesday about his efforts to improve their education, but he steered clear of the one subject parents around the city are worried about: a possible teachers strike.

Emanuel spoke at Marquez Charter School on the city’s Southwest Side and greeted students at other schools before departing the city to attend the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., where he lauded his former boss, President Barack Obama, and spoke of his experiences in the White House as chief of staff.

Each of Emanuel’s appearances was carefully controlled, with the mayor declining to take questions about the ongoing negotiations from reporters who followed him from school to school. The teachers union has called for a strike Monday if there’s no agreement on a contract.