WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

While school closing plans have rattled communities and teachers, some see an opportunity.

Parents who say play is being pushed out of Chicago schools in favor of standardized testing are protesting in an unusual way.

Chicago is holding more than 190 community meetings and public hearings this spring—all required by law—to gather feedback on its proposal to close an unprecedented 54 schools.

Union president Karen Lewis says a “voter education campaign” will add 100,000 new voters in Chicago.

As Chicago prepares to close 54 schools, one of its greatest challenges will be safely maneuvering thousands of students through rival gang territories.

Chicago Public Schools will save less money by closing schools than the district originally indicated.

The walk from King Elementary to Jensen Elementary on the West Side is 20 minutes each way — past boarded-up buildings and vacant lots. CPS says the walk is long enough that the students will get busing, but parents are still worried.