“font-family: Verdana; line-height: 13px;”>For years I have listened to rumors, received anonymous and off-the-record comments about an alleged “pay-to-play” culture in East St. Louis School District 189.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The general complaints stem from allegations that, in East Boogie, it has been common practice for teachers, administrators and consultants to pay for their positions, promotions, “hook-ups” or consultant contracts either directly or indirectly (through kickbacks, etc.) and that many competent and credentialed individuals don’t even receive courtesy interviews if they aren’t willing to grease the palms of those in decision-making positions.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>So I was ecstatic to learn that the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has launched a probe into all aspects of the ESL School District’s operations.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>After consulting with the U.S. Attorney’s office, the ISBE has retained the law firm of Sandberg Phoenix and von Gontard to conduct an in-depth investigation of all contracts for goods and services, personnel files, credentials, consultant agreements, all income and expenditures, an inventory of all property owned, as well as all grants and interviews with current and former employees.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The investigation will be led by A. Courtney Cox, a former U.S. attorney and partner at Sandberg Phoenix and von Gontard. This should cause a few sleeplessness nights, for certain ESL School Board members, given that Cox is no stranger to prosecuting and incarcerating ESL’s high profile politicians.
