Barbara Byrd-Bennett pleads guilty in kickback scheme, says ‘nobody to blame but me’

Retired CPS teacher Audrey Davis got up at 6 a.m. to make sure she got to court in time for Byrd-Bennett’s appearance.

“I got here on time to make the case that she has done damage to all of us teachers, students, all of us. I’m appalled,” Davis said. “I’m outraged and appalled by the fact that I spent several years trying to get text books and resources for my 12th grade students to get them college ready. The text books we were using were 15 and 20 years old. And when I learned about this contract, I can’t help but be outraged.”

Byrd-Bennett’s replacement, Forrest Claypool, calls her criminal activity outrageous. He hopes internal audits, strengthening the ethics disclosure requirements and a special no bid contract review committee will help restore integrity at CPS, he said.

“One individual’s criminality shouldn’t reflect from the hard work of parents, academic gains,” Claypool said.

Byrd-Bennett did not speak to reporters as she left court. Her daughter, Nailah Byrd, also had no comment.

Hand-picked by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2012, Byrd-Bennett took a leave of absence in April 2015 after a federal investigation was launched and resigned in June of 2015. On Monday, the mayor said his staff questioned the SUPES contract early on. CPS ended its contract with the education training company in April.

Two others- both from SUPES Academy- were also indicted.

Article Appeared @http://abc7chicago.com/politics/barbara-byrd-bennett-pleads-guilty-in-kickback-scheme/1030623/

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