Chicago Public Schools to start office to handle abuse cases

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Public Schools is launching a new department to respond to sex abuse allegations in an effort to reassure parents about their children's safety at school.

The district announced the $3 million plan Wednesday, just hours before teachers and parents planned to rally before a school board meeting. The move follows a Chicago Tribune investigation that documented broad lapses in CPS' response to sexual abuse.

Officials said the new 20-member Office of Student Protections and Title IX will oversee investigations of student-on-student bullying and abuse. The agency will also refer complaints of student abuse by adults to the schools' inspector general and oversee support for students who come forward.