At least 36 individuals on Chicago Public Schools’ (CPS) “do not hire” list were employed as sports officials, according to a report from the district’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) released Wednesday. The annual report, covering investigations from July 2023 to June 2024, also highlighted cases of sexual misconduct and inadequate background screening processes within the district.
The OIG found that CPS paid $390,000 to 36 former employees with “do not hire” designations to officiate sporting events. These individuals included:
- A person with a felony conviction for kidnapping.
- At least eight individuals previously investigated by CPS for sexual misconduct with students.
The OIG criticized CPS for relying on background checks conducted by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), calling the process less rigorous than the district’s own vendor background checks. In response, CPS blocked all identified individuals from officiating future events and initiated new background checks for all 1,752 active officials to bring compliance in line with district policy.
CPS stated it is hiring a new Executive Director of the Office of Sports Administration and is collaborating across departments to strengthen policies.
“CPS is dedicated to providing a safe learning environment for both students and staff. The District continually works to improve policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of students,” CPS said, adding that background checks for current officials began on December 12, 2024.
The OIG’s Sexual Allegations Unit reported seven substantiated cases of adult-on-student sexual abuse during the fiscal year. The unit also closed 49 cases involving misconduct, including sexual harassment, grooming, and boundary violations. Key statistics include:
- 469 investigations opened and 363 cases closed during the fiscal year.
- Complaints about improper boundaries between staff and students comprised the majority of allegations investigated.
The unit has maintained a consistent volume of approximately 400 investigations annually, according to the report.
CPS pledged to rigorously enforce ethical standards and policies to protect students and staff. In a statement, the district affirmed:
“CPS is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the safety of staff, students, and families while upholding integrity in service to the community.”
The OIG’s findings have prompted CPS to take immediate actions, including reassessing its background check procedures and strengthening oversight of employees and contractors. Both the district and the OIG emphasized the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for students.
