Chicago Public Schools officials are in talks with state legislative leaders on extending the deadline for when CPS will announce schools it wants to close. Under state law, CPS must issue any school closing notices by December 1, but new CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett wishes to postpone school closing announcements until this spring.

The Illinois General Assembly then must take action during the fall veto session that starts on November 27 in order to extend the deadline. State Rep. Cynthia Soto (D-Chicago), chairperson of the House education committee, tells WBEZ that she has not yet agreed to Byrd-Bennett's request.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Teachers Union remains firmly opposed to further school closings. CTU members plan a rally in downtown today with allies such as Stand Up! Chicago in protest of CPS school actions.