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Chicago Public Schools Will Close Monday

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jan 5, 2014 11:55PM

Facing a public outcry from teachers and parents, Chicago Public Schools announced late this evening that classes would be canceled Monday as Chicago braces for some of the coldest temperatures and wind chills to hit the city in recent memory. It's a reversal from CPS' stance 24 hours ago where they said classes would remain in session yet parents who decided to keep their children at home would receive excused absences.

CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, in a statement to media, said "the safety and well-being of our students is paramount."

The statement read CPS' management team "evaluated the situation again today with city departments" and came to the conclusion that the combination of sub-zero temperatures, high winds and the 10-plus inches of snow that fell in the past 24 hours "has caused a further deterioration of conditions."

The district has already started notifying parents of their reversal through robo-calls and emails. Parents seeking more information can visit CPS' website or call 773-553-3100.

Chicago Park District locations will remain open Monday for families seeking alternative youth programs and services.