Chicago Public Schools chief requests temporary leave of absence amid federal investigation

Published November 21, 2015

FILE - In this Oct. 12, 2012 file photo, newly appointed Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett speaks at a news conference in Chicago. Byrd-Bennett's attorney Michael Scudder confirmed a letter was sent Friday, April 17, 2015, to Board of Education members that Byrd-Bennett has requested a leave effective April 20 amid a federal investigation over a $20.5 million no-bid contract the district awarded to a training academy where she once consulted. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File) (The Associated Press)

The head of Chicago Public Schools has requested a leave of absence amid a federal investigation over a $20.5 million no-bid contract the district awarded to a training academy where she once consulted.

Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett's attorney Michael Scudder confirms a letter was sent Friday to Board of Education members requesting a leave effective April 20.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Board of Education President David Vitale said earlier this week that the nation's third-largest district is being investigated by federal authorities.

A spokesman for SUPES Academy in suburban Chicago said it's turned over records to investigators. The academy trains principals.

Published reports say Byrd-Bennett worked as a consultant for SUPES before coming to CPS in 2012. She's also worked in New York, Detroit and Cleveland school districts.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/chicago-public-schools-chief-requests-temporary-leave-of-absence-amid-federal-investigation