School Closings Protest At Lakeview High School and Mayor Emanuel's Block | Photos

Hundreds of protesters, some wearing stickers over their mouths proclaiming "silenced" and holding candles, marched from an angry rally at Lakeview High School, west down Irving Park to the mayor's block of North Hermitage Avenue on Monday to declare their outrage over this year's shake-up at Chicago Public Schools.

The school board is scheduled to vote today on Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close five schools, phase out two others and "turn around" a record 10 others, which can mean firing teachers and staff and starting over. The initiative will affect more than 7,000 students.

Emanuel's proposal has prompted a series of protests, including rallies at Wendell Smith Elementary School, a march to the suburban home of Tim Cawley, chief administrative officer for Chicago Public Schools, and a sit-in at Brian Piccolo Elementary School. Monday's protest began at 4pm, and although they were stopped about a half-block away from the mayor's home, the sounds of their anger could be heard throughout the neighborhood.