CHICAGO – Chicago Public Schools has repeatedly delayed releasing a copy of a recent inspector general’s report – which NBC 5 Investigates has learned substantiated allegations of misconduct against at least two former educators from Little Village Lawndale High School.
The inspector general’s report took nearly three years to complete and was turned over to the CPS law department on June 30.
That same day, NBC 5 Investigates filed a public records request seeking a copy.
Chicago Public Schools immediately asked for an extension, which is not atypical with public records requests to the district.
But since July 1, CPS has sought two additional time extensions – the first on July 16 asking for another 10 business days; and again Wednesday – asking for another 10 business days – meaning CPS wants nearly six weeks to release a report that was completed June 30.
The pace of the investigation has frustrated former students who came forward to NBC 5 Investigates this spring alleging they felt they were groomed into sexual relationships with various teachers at Little Village Lawndale High School over the span of several years.
Our recent investigative series “Lessons in Betrayal” chronicled their stories and the lengthy investigation by the inspector general.
CPS’ inspector general substantiates allegations of inappropriate conduct against a former principal at a Little Village school. Bennett Haeberle has more.
In most cases, the former students told NBC 5 Investigates that the sex happened with teachers after they turned 18 or in the days, weeks or months after they graduated. While a teacher can certainly lose their job if they are caught having sex with a student, it’s not a crime in Illinois if that student is 18 and consents.
Last week, NBC 5 Investigates reported on two letters that detailed how the inspector general substantiated allegations of inappropriate communications and conduct involving Dennis Kass, a former sociology teacher and Charles Smith, a former principal.
Smith’s attorney told us via email last week that she was unaware of the findings until we informed her. She told us, “there was a rush (by CPS) to find everyone involved guilty of misconduct and wash their hands of the bad press.” Her emailed statement went on to say that Smith maintains he never acted inappropriately with any student.
You can read the full statement here:
“Mr. Smith was notified by Mr. Haeberle this morning, through counsel, that there was a finding issued as to him by CPS. It is egregious that the media and others were given this information before Mr. Smith and his counsel. Counsel for Mr. Smith finally received a response from CPS at the end of business today confirming same, after waiting all day. OIG issued an extensive report to CPS on 6/30, which was reportedly hundreds of pages, not including extensive evidence. CPS apparently issued its findings 3 days later, on 7/3. Despite sitting on this investigation for 3 years, it is clear the evidence wasn’t even reviewed by CPS. After NBC highlighted OIG’s and CPS’ failure to complete this investigation for years, suddenly there was a rush to find everyone involved guilty of misconduct and wash their hands of the bad press. The rush to judgment by CPS is justice denied. As an example of the rush, Mr. Smith’s attorney was being asked to respond to things the day before the report was due. Mr. Haeberle shared a letter with Mr. Smith’s counsel, that was sent to Mr. Smith’s accuser, which gave a different reason for the findings against Mr. Smith than the letter he received this evening. Counsel for Mr. Smith has requested the entire investigative file and will pursue his legal options. Mr. Smith maintains that he never acted inappropriately with any student and vehemently denies the former student’s/adult’s accusations against him. It was never reported clearly that the only real misconduct accusation made against Mr. Smith was one by an adult and former student for conduct that allegedly occurred after she graduated, and there was no grooming allegations tied thereto. The OIG/CPS investigation afforded Mr. Smith no due process and a hearing. Mr. Smith’s counsel is horrified by how this process was handled. A court of law will provide Mr. Smith the due process he deserves.”
Neither Kass nor Smith face any criminal charges as a result of the inspector general’s investigation. But the letters sent by the CPS law department to the former students indicate both educators are now banned from being re-hired by the district.
Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general has substantiated allegations of inappropriate communication and conduct involving former sociology teacher, Dennis Kass, according to a letter dated July 16. NBC 5 Investigates’ Bennett Haeberle reports.
Chicago Public Schools has not provided an explanation for why it has needed these most recent time extensions before providing the inspector general’s report – which is expected to detail not only the allegations raised by former students, but how the inspector general’s office came to its findings, conclusions and recommendations, if any.
The inspector general’s final report has been described to NBC 5 Investigates by sources as “extensive.”
We will update this report if we can get an explanation from CPS on why it needs additional time.