Chicago Schools CEO leads Springfield rally over funding

CHICAGO (AP) - The head of Chicago Public Schools says the district has "reached the point of no return" and faces severe cuts without "equal" funding from the state.

Schools CEO Forrest Claypool led hundreds of teachers, parents, and students in a rally in Springfield on Thursday seeking more state funds for Chicago's schools. The district faces a $1 billion deficit next school year.

Claypool said Wednesday that with only one week left in the state Legislature's session, the district must "make a statement the governor cannot ignore."

The Democratic-led Illinois House passed a budget for next year that includes money for public schools, so a full veto would jeopardize their ability to open this fall. The budget now heads to the Senate.

Gov. Bruce Rauner has indicated he will veto the bill if it passes.