CHICAGO (AP) — A suburban Chicago training academy that was awarded a $20.5 million contract with Chicago Public Schools says it is cooperating with a federal probe of the district and has handed over records and files to investigators.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CPS President David Vitale confirmed Wednesday that the school district was being investigated by federal officials but would not provide any details.
SUPES Academy spokesman Dennis Culloton says he could not comment beyond confirming the company’s cooperation because the investigation is ongoing. According to published reports, CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett worked as a consultant for SUPES before she was appointed by Emanuel in 2012.
CPS says federal authorities have requested interviews with several district officials.
District officials would not respond to requests for comment Thursday.
