Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns amid federal probe
theGRIO REPORT - Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett announced her resignation as a federal probe was launched into an apparent no-bid contract awarded to her former employer...
Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett announced her resignation as a federal probe was launched into an apparent no-bid contract awarded to her former employer.
The probe is investigated a contract awarded to Wilmette-based SUPES Academy for $20.5 million for principal training. The contract in question has since been suspended by the Chicago Board of Education.
The CPS Board of Education President David Vitale confirmed Byrd-Bennett’s resignation Monday and went on to say, “Interim CEO Jesse Ruiz will continue in that role to advance the important work of the Chicago Public Schools on behalf of our students, families, and communities across the City of Chicago.”
Watch a full report on the CEO’s resignation below:
Mayor Rahm Emanuel also released a statement wishing Byrd-Bennett well and expressing that he was “saddened by the circumstances that have led to Barbara’s resignation.”
“As a city, our focus must remain on finishing the school year strong and tackling the billion dollar budget deficit that threatens the progress our students, teachers, principals and parents have made over the last several years,” the mayor said in the statement.
Byrd-Bennett, on announcing her resignation, reportedly wrote in a note to the school board that she will “always be thankful for the opportunity to serve the children of Chicago.”
