CPS Confirms Federal Investigation of Alleged Misconduct

Chicago Public Schools officials Wednesday confirmed federal agents are investigating alleged misconduct in the district, but did not release any details. CPS released a statement on Wednesday, April 15.

“Yesterday the Board of Education was made aware that federal authorities are investigating a matter at CPS and have requested interviews with several employees. We take any allegation of misconduct seriously, and we are fully cooperating with investigators who requested that we not discuss any specifics regarding the ongoing investigation.”

Crain’s Chicago Business, citing sources, reports that the school system CEO is the focus of the probe.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett is the subject of a federal criminal probe into possible contract irregularities, sources close to CPS and City Hall are reporting.

CPS so far is declining to comment on the involvement of Ms. Byrd-Bennett, who would supervise contract awarding in her capacity as the system’s chief executive.

Sarah Karp and Melissa Sanchez, reporting for Catalyst Chicago, are quoting sources that say a $20 million no-bid contract awarded to SUPES Academy is the focus of the federal investigation. Catalyst first revealed the no-bid contract, which caught the attention of the CPS inspector general.

The inspector general’s investigation was spurred by a Catalyst investigation that detailed Byrd-Bennett’s connection with the for-profit, Wilmette-based SUPES Academy. Byrd-Bennett had worked as a coach for SUPES until she was hired at CPS and there’s some evidence that she continued to consult with related companies after she was on CPS’ payroll. In June 2013, the School Board quietly awarded SUPES the $20 million contract, which was the largest no-bid contract in the district’s recent history, according to Catalyst’s review of board reports.

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