CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel is not commenting directly on whether it is appropriate for faith-based groups that are backing his education agenda to get millions of dollars worth of city contracts.

As WBBM Newsradio's David Roe reports, some of the organizations have received contracts to operate after school programs, others to make sure children get to and from school safely.

The Chicago Tribune reports all of the groups have come under scrutiny following complaints they paid people to testify in favor of Emanuel's plans to lengthen the school day and close underperforming schools.

The Tribune says Mayor Emanuel was asked on Monday whether the contracts awarded to the companies amounted to patronage, and did not directly answer the question. He said the focus needed to be on fixing the city's public education system.

But the mayor did say that the city Inspector General is going to look into the complaints.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's David Roe reports