A Chicago Public Schools official improperly spent thousands of dollars on items such as athletic shoes, condoms and clothing in the year before a switch in leadership, the CPS Inspector General said in a report released Wednesday.
The official, who has since resigned and is being investigated by the Cook County State's Attorney, is included in James M. Sullivan's 38-page report that alleges dozens of items of fraud and employee misconduct.
Among Sullivan's findings:
- $1.13 million in benefits were improperly paid to retired teachers
- More than $206,000 worth of athletic shoes were improperly purchased for basketball players
- Employees improperly resided outside city limits
- Employee falsified student applications for free and reduced meals
- A husband and wife improperly submitted invoices that circumvented the consulting process
- Two employees were arrested and charged with selling cocaine
- Employees used CPS email and equipment to share and store porn
- A high school principal benefited from business with a travel agency of which he was a corporate officer
- An employee falsified her attendance, other employment records
- An elementary teacher recorded video of men and boys in a water park locker room
A CPS official responded to the report, calling its findings "serious and disappointing" and said the agency was "already taking necessary corrective actions and additional steps to implement accountability."
"... the new leadership team at CPS will not tolerate any activities of this nature that compromises the integrity of our district," said spokeswoman Marielle Sainvilus. "We have a responsibility to maintain public trust and as we continue to work towards providing every student with a high quality education that prepares them for college and career, we will hold everyone accountable in that process who do not work in the best interest of our students."
The Inspector General's Full Report:
