Meeks says he's prepared to drop school boycott -- but there's a catch

State Sen. James Meeks says state leaders can avert the school boycott he's planned by agreeing to boost funding to underperforming schools.

Meeks wants to steer $120 million into four clusters of schools -- two in Chicago, one in the city's south suburbs and one downstate. School officials working with Meeks say the clusters aren't determined yet but each includes at least one high school and its feeder schools.

And Meeks says he isn't yet sure where lawmakers would get the money.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office says he supports such a plan but hasn't worked out funding details. And a spokesman says House Speaker Michael Madigan can't commit to spending the cash.

Meeks has asked Chicago students to protest school funding disparities by skipping the first day of school.