CPS plans draw protests to city hall

December 19, 2011 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Parents upset with Chicago Public Schools' plans to expand charter schools and turn around other schools are taking their message directly to Mayor Rahm Emanuel Monday.

Protesters made their way up to the fifth floor of city hall, right outside of the mayor's office.

The group of organized parents says they are tired of being ignored by Mayor Emanuel and are still angry with how CPS board members walked out of last week's board meeting when they came to speak out. Last Wednesday, the school board ended its meeting and went into closed session after being shouted down by a few dozen upset parents and union representatives who were fuming over planned school consolidations, closures and turnarounds.

Monday's protesters are calling on the mayor to intervene and institute a stop on all school actions by CPS. They are also accusing the city of favoring certain charter school organizations.

A spokesperson for CPS has said that CPS has "a deep respect for those who choose to exercise their right to free speech, but say they make no excuses for taking action on some of the worst performing schools in the district."

School officials insist that the plan to close and turn around some schools will improve access to education.

Parents took their fight to city hall at approximately 10 a.m. and said they would declare civil unrest.

Get more Local »

local, jessica d'onofrio

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•