Schools CEO hits commission for blocking charter closings

CHICAGO (AP) - The head of Chicago's public schools is criticizing the Illinois State Charter School Commission for blocking a plan to close three underperforming charter schools at end of the school year.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool on Wednesday called the commission's decision "shameful" and says the district will challenge it.

The district moved to close Amandla Charter School, Shabazz International Charter School's Sizemore Academy and Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter School for failing to meet academic standards.

However, the commission found the district changed its performance standards for charters without giving the three schools time to meet the new benchmarks. The commission also said the district failed to provide proper due process for the schools and to adhere to agreements it had with the operators.

In defending the commission's decision, chairman Hosanna Mahaley-Jones says Chicago schools "should be accountable for following the rules."