Forrest Claypool: State's Charter School Decision 'Shameful'
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago's Schools CEO said Tuesday night's decision by the Illinois State Charter School Commission to overturn the board's decision to close three poorly-performing charter schools will relegate students at the schools to second-class status.
CPS CEO Forrest Claypool repeatedly called the Charter Commission decision "shameful," and said during an unrelated appearance in Pilsen Wednesday that it assures that students at the schools will continue to fall further and further behind.
Claypool refused to say if the ruling complicates negotiations with the Teachers Union, which wants limits on the number of charter schools and students enrolled in them. But he said the Board of Education is investigating its legal and legislative options.
Nearly 1,000 students are served by the three schools, the Amandla Charter High School, currently located at 6800 S. Stewart Ave.; Shabazz-Sizemore Academy Elementary School, currently 6936 S. Hermitage Ave.; and Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter Elementary School, currently at 8 W. Root St.
Each will have to relocate in order to keep its doors open.