Chicago Public Schools Chief Reportedly Under Federal Probe

Deborah Bayliss | As of Thursday, April 16, 2015

Barbara Bryd Bennett, CEO, Chicago Public Schools
Barbara Bryd Bennett, CEO, Chicago Public Schools

Chicago residents are reeling after news broke regarding a federal probe that reportedly involves Chicago Public School’s (CPS) Chief Operating Officer, Barbara Byrd-Bennett and a controversial, $20.5 million no-bid contract the school district awarded to her former employer.

The Chicago Citizen Newspaper called CPS for comment on the probe and was provided the following statement from Chicago Board of Education president, David Vitale with clarification that the Chicago Board of Education was made aware of the investigation on April 14, 2015.

The statement reads: “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.”-- Chicago Board of Education president, David Vitale.

The Chicago Board of Education approved the contract at its June 26, 2013, meeting. The Chicago Citizen Newspaper pulled a document related to the contract titled: Approve Entering into an Agreement with the SUPES Academy for Leadership Development Services, from the Board’s website. It reads as follows:

Approve entering into an agreement with The SUPES Academy LLC to design and deliver the Chicago Executive Leadership Academy (CELA) for Regional Leadership, Principals and Assistant Principals at a total cost not to exceed $20,500,000.000 for a period of three years. Vendor was selected on a non-competitive basis; and the sole-source request was presented to the Non-Competitive Procurement Review Committee and approved by Chief Procurement Officer. No services shall be provided by vendor and no payment shall be made to the vendor prior to execution of the written agreement. The authority granted here-in shall automatically rescind in the event a written agreement is not executed within 90 days of the date of this Board Report. The term of this agreement shall commence on June 27, 2013 and shall end June 26, 2016. This agreement shall have no options to renew. The Board shall have the right to terminate this agreement within 30 days of written notice…vendor shall be paid upon monthly invoicing as specified in the agreement; total not to exceed the sum of $20,500,000.00 over the three-year term.

According to the Catalyst, an independent news organization that serves as a watchdog and resource for school improvement in Chicago, the Inspector General of the Chicago Board of Education’s office began looking into the contract with north suburban-based SUPES Academy and Byrd-Bennett's relationship to the company in 2013.

The U.S. attorney's office then followed suit with its own probe, and a grand jury reportedly has been reviewing evidence for at least a year.

Nick Schuler, Inspector General of the Chicago Board of Education Office, did not return the Chicago Citizen Newspaper’s telephone call on Thursday for comment regarding the investigation.

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STANDARD

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Known for her role in closing 50 Chicago schools, Byrd-Bennett, was appointed by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in Oct. 2012. Bennett’s contract was supposed to automatically renew for an additional year after its June 30thexpiration unless the board notified her otherwise by March 1, according to the Catalyst. As CPS chief, Byrd Bennett reportedly makes a base $250,000 annually salary.

As of Tuesday morning, Byrd Bennett was still in her position. When asked by the Chicago Citizen Newspaper if she planned to renew her contract, CPS provided no comment to the question.

When asked if he still has his vote of confidence in Byrd-Bennett, Emanuel said after Wednesday’s City Council Meeting, "I don't, I can't answer. I don't even know who they're looking at. It's a CPS matter."

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