Chicago Public Schools releases 5-year plan

The head of Chicago Public Schools has released a five-year plan for the district that has drawn criticism from the Chicago Teachers Union.

Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett gave a speech in Chicago on Monday outlining the plan, which the district says will provide students with a “rigorous, well-rounded” instructional program. The plan is called “The Next Generation — Chicago’s Children.” It comes after the district said it would close dozens of schools.

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis issued a statement criticizing the plan. Lewis says it doesn’t matter what initiatives CPS proposes if there is no money to pay for them.