Chicago schools chief opposes boycott

CHICAGO Illinois State Senator James Meeks and some Chicago community leaders want parents to keep their children home on the first day of school to protest the way schools are funded in the state.

Duncan said Wednesday school officials have worked hard to build a culture where every day matters. He said the first day sets the tone for what happens the rest of the school year.

Duncan said he is grateful for the attention Meeks has brought to the issue of school funding. But he said the battle for increased funding can be won without doing anything that promotes destructive behavior in students.

Meeks was available for comment.

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