Action on Chicago school closings issue delayed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Legislation that would have stopped Chicago education officials from closing what they say are underutilized schools has been delayed.

A proposed moratorium would halt school closings until at least 2015.

The Education Committee heard two hours of testimony from community groups and union members Tuesday. But Democratic Sen. William Delgado of Chicago says he doesn't have necessary support and the only committee vote was to strip the bill of its language while Delgado discusses details with city and school officials.

Chicago Public Schools officials identified 129 potential school closures, saying some facilities have too few students to justify keeping them open. Not all of them would immediately close.

Opponents say closures would disproportionately affect minority students and could jeopardize their safety.

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The bill is SB1571.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov