Chicago says there may be exceptions to school-closing moratorium

Chicago school district officials have pledged not to close any more schools because of academic or enrollment problems for at least five years — but they now are saying they may close them for other reasons. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that district CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett wants the right this year to hasten the closure of schools already being phased out, or to close or consolidate schools “due to a safety hazard presented by the physical condition of the school."

REACTION: The Chicago Teachers Union says the disrict's "decision to modify their promise of a 5-year moratorium on school closings is a smack in the face to the parents, teachers and students."