Members of the Chicago City Council Progressive Reform Caucus on Monday voiced alarm after an Education Committee hearing on special education funding that had been scheduled for Tuesday morning was canceled. The Progressive Caucus called for the hearing after a WBEZ investigative report found CPS leadership had implemented secret plans to reduce programs and support for special needs students. The City Clerk posted public notice that the hearing was canceled on Sunday, but no explanation was given for the cancellation. “We urgently need this hearing. CPS leadership must answer for the findings of this report, which demonstrate that, likely in violation of state and federal law, CPS redirected funds intended for students with special needs, and significantly reduced the programs and specialized supportive services for special education,” said Progressive Caucus Chair Ald. Scott Waguespack (32). “Parents and taxpayers deserve answers.”

“We have a moral and legal imperative to end the mistreatment and cheating of our special needs students,” said Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza, a former CPS counselor and leader in the Chicago Teachers Union. “CPS leadership must come before the City Council and answer for these violations. We urge Education Committee Chairman Brookins to reschedule this hearing this month.”