A federal investigation concerning a $20.5 million no-bid contract Chicago Public Schools awarded to a training academy where CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett once worked as a consultant has caused her to take a paid leave of absence.
Federal corruption investigators are now asking for additional records related to the Wilmette-based SUPES Academy. The scandal has focused on Byrd-Bennett, who once worked for the nonprofit education group who won the no-bid contract to train school principals. She announced her leave of absence late last week at the same time as school officials announced the federal subpoenas to look for records such as contracts, invoices and emails. She will remain on leave as long as the investigation is ongoing.