Senator wants to ask questions of school appointee

SPRINGFIELD — An Illinois state senator is asking for a delay in confirming Gov. Pat Quinn's choice to head the state school board so he can ask questions about a not-for-profit organization.

Former Chicago School Board president Gery Chico (GARE'-ee CHEE'-koh) is the Democratic governor's choice to lead the State Board of Education. It's an unpaid post so Chico is not required to appear before the committee.

But Republican Sen. Tim Bivins of Dixon said Wednesday he wants to question Chico about the Save-A-Life Foundation. It got money from the Chicago schools but critics now question its claims about training children in emergency response.

The Senate met Wednesday but isn't scheduled to convene again until fall.

Chico will serve on the Board of Education while awaiting confirmation.