In Chicago school closings debate, aldermen seek year-long delay

Members of the Illinois Senate legislature are considering a plan to extend the deadline for Chicago school closings from Dec. 1 until March 31.

But several independent aldermen at Chicago City Hall came out in favor of a moratorium on any school closings for months.

Ald. Bob Fioretti has issued an open letter to members of the General Assembly, asking lawmakers to give the process time for "reasoned, evidence-based decision making," and calling for "no school actions ... prior to at least Dec. 1, 2013."

The aldermen, who also include Rick Munoz (name misspelled on letter, "Munioz"), John Arena, Scott Waguespack, Nicholas Sposato (name misspelled "Nicolas") and Roderick Sawyer, say "any shorter timeframe practically ensures that consequences will outweigh benefits."