CHICAGO (MCT) — Chicago teachers voted on a tentative contract agreement Tuesday even 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 pom-pons and glow sticks at the UIC Pavilion, a surge of energy comparable to what was seen in several rallies last month of Chicago Teachers Union members and backers who oppose charters. The rally, co-sponsored by a large charter operator, was attended by many parents.