Chicago Public School Closures to Be Based On Enrollment, Not Performance

Chicago Public School officials announced Wednesday that they do not plan to shutter schools based on student performance, as they have in the past.

Newly seated schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett said the district will close only schools that they consider to be underused. The district says 140 schools are more than half empty, but did not put a number on how many of those could be slated for closure.

Low-performing schools could still face drastic school improvement measures, such as being turned around, which usually means children stay at the school, while the entire staff is replaced.