CPS Board Presidents Death, a Flurry of Confusion, Disbelief and Grief

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by Shanita Bigelow

Reports that a body found floating in the Chicago River early Monday morning was that of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Board President Michael Scott shocked friends and family.

Im stunned beyond all belief, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Scotts friend of more than 25 years, said Monday morning in a media statement. Michael was always so full of life, so effervescent and always had this capacity to solve problems. Thats why people leaned on Michael, because he was a problem solver, a negotiator, a navigator. He could take on tough situations and leave all parties feeling a sense of wholeness

Scott was reported missing Sunday night as he failed to return home after visiting his sister at an assisted living facility in the South Loop. The body, allegedly Scott, was discovered at around 3:00 a.m. on Monday morning while a Cadillac registered in his name was also found at the scene.

Initial reports were vague as to a cause of death, but as the morning and afternoon hours wore on, the Cook County Medical Examiners office ruled Scotts death a suicide. However, at a news conference on Monday afternoon, Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis said detectives were continuing their death investigation. Jackson who spoke to Scott about a week ago in regards to the safe passage of Fenger High School students to and from school, suggested that he detected no indication that Scott was in trouble or troubled.

We know nothing except [that] he was such a faithful servant, Jackson said.

by Shanita Bigelow

Scott, who grew up in Lawndale, has been serving Chicago for decades, in the community as well as for city government. He was serving his third term on the Chicago Board of Education, his second time as CPS Board President, appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley. Scott recommended Rufus Williams, a sports agent, take his place, but was reinstated after Williams resigned.

Earlier this year Scott was subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in relation to an investigation of selective-enrollment practices at Chicagos more elite public high schools, according to reports. Hed also come under scrutiny as a member of Daleys 2016 Olympic committee due to the proposed development of a lot he owned for the games. Scott, president of Michael Scott & Associates, a private real estate develop ment company, refuted all claims of conflict of interest or personal gain, according to news reports.

As Chicagoans, friends and family mourn the death of Scott, he will be remembered as all of our guy, Jackson continued.

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