Mike Klonsky comments on the latest scandal in Chicago, where ex-CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett pleaded guilty in a scheme to take a kickback from a no-bid contract.
Klonsky says Mayor Rahm Emanuel hand-picked Byrd-Bennett. The Mayor hand-picked the school board. No one question the $23 million contract to SUPES, which had a s secret deal with the CEO.
Klonsky writes:
“My take is that the SUPES scandal goes way beyond BBB and her crew. Mayoral control of the schools has created a culture of corruption that goes all the way up to the top of the system. Turning CPS into a wing of City Hall — one of the most disreputable institutions in history — with an autocratic mayor in charge, was a mistake for which we all now will pay a tremendous price.
This is familiar to those of us who live in Néw York City. The board of education approved hundreds of millions on no-bid contracts during the Bloomberg years. The mayor-controlled board supinely approved each one, never challenging them (8 of 13 members were appointed by the mayor). The only dissident voice was Patrick Sullivan, appointed not by the mayor but by the Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer. Other than Sullivan, the board went along to please the mayor, no questions asked.
Democracy implies the need for checks and balances, transparency and accountability.
And the hand-picked board under de Blasio rubber stamped a billion dollar contract going to a corrupt tech company. The issue persists, lack of checks and balances leads to corruption inevitably.
Rahm and his henchmen are probably hoping that getting Byrd-Bennett to cop a plea will keep the entire sordid mess from exploding in their faces. What I wouldn’t give to see Rahm doing a perp walk.
It’s really a very small club in ed reform:
“Culloton said a member of Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s transition team contacted Solomon in 2011, shortly before the mayor was sworn in for his first term, and asked Solomon to suggest candidates for Chicago schools chief.
“Paul Vallas, who was former Mayor Richard M. Daley’s first schools chief, said he met Solomon about 10 years ago, when Vallas led Philadelphia’s public schools.
Vallas said lawyers for the Philadelphia district sent Solomon a cease-and-desist letter because Solomon’s consulting company at the time boasted of holding “the exclusive rights to Paul Vallas’ model” for education reform. “He apologized and dropped it from his website,” Vallas said.
Another Solomon company, Synesi Associates, worked in Louisiana while Vallas was the top official in New Orleans. On the Synesi website, the company says it participated in “the successful implementation” of Vallas’ goals and led efforts that landed a $10 million grant from a private foundation.”
It’s the same names over and over and over, for decades in some cases. Byrd-Bennett went from NY to Detroit to Cleveland to Chicago, and Solomon was involved in Cleveland in addition to Chicago, and also Philadelphia and New Orleans.
http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/587670/former-cps-ceo-brizard-supes-owner-instrumental-getting-byrd-bennett-district
Chiara: good catch!
And once again the rheephorm band strikes up “The Dance of Lemons.”
😎
It kind of amazes me that the City of Chicago can’t check with the City of Cleveland before they hire someone. Cleveland is not that far from Chicago 🙂
“From 1998 to 2006 she was the CEO of Cleveland Public Schools, the first such title they had ever handed out there.
During that time, there was a report that the Cleveland Public Schools had inflated attendance figures; Byrd-Bennett fired 800 teachers but was found in a TV investigation to have kept on 206 spare bus drivers at a cost of $3.5 million a year.
She enjoyed first class travel and an expensive on-the-road lifestyle paid by private donors, a practice that resulted in a State of Ohio audit, no charges of misconduct but a recommendation of tighter district financial controls.
It was a pair of needed tax levies that failed and a $30 million deficit that sunk her time in Cleveland. She resigned in 2006.”
http://abc7chicago.com/news/byrd-bennett-faced-controversy-in-cleveland-school-system/664595/
Chiara…as I recall, Paul Vallas, like John Deasy, had self administered, rather phony, academic creds…another Broadie with a rigged PhD…right?
This all sounds so similar to LAUSD where Broad ruled the former LA Mayor, Villaraigosa, whose plan then and now is to run for Gov, and he needs Eli’s big bucks and his support and endorsement. These two scoundrels found John Deasy (after Bill Gates got rid of him) and they strong armed a submissive BoE (which still has the same Supt Cortines in charge now as interim) to hire him with no search, then rapidly easing out Cortines in only a couple of months, and anointing Deasy the new Supt.
In rapid order, Deasy began firing old time teachers and principals, installing his own Broadies in their place…putting many older teachers in ‘teacher jail’ on trumped up charges…and charterizing many schools. He cooperated with Parent Revolution to use the flawed parent trigger law, and worked closely with the director who was paid by mainly Broad and the Waltons.
And now Deasy, who is being investigated by the FBI and the SEC for illegal bidding scenarios, works full time for Broad, as does the former head of PRev, Ben Austin…and Eli assigned them to charterize over 50% of the public schools.
.
The Broad Academy does a helluva job teaching these folks how to manipulate and use leverage to impose Broad’s goals on districts across the country. When you have larceny in your heart, you find a way.
Funny how Chicago can expose corruption in their charter programs but in LA, we’re still investigating. An elementary child could see the corruption and illegalities in the lausd’s iPad program, facilities and contract department, teacher jail denial of teacher’s civil rights. When will LA investigations by the FBI and SEC be complete? How long will justice be denied?
This makes me appreciate that Los Angeles still has an elected school board. I don’t always agree with them, but at least we can toss them out if they don’t represent the people.
Perhaps this is bigger than anyone thought. If this goes all the way up to Rham and he gets indicted then it will give some much needed and overdue media investigation / attention. With more exposure centered on Chicago political corruption maybe, just maybe a jounalist will be able to connect the dots between Duncan’s resignation, Byrd-Bennett, Bill Gates, King and a slew of Rheformers, and the whole sale destruction of a public institution and the literal purchase of an entire government branch by super-rich. This goes all the way to the top and the teacher- betraying President knows this.
” a culture of corruption” defines 21st century America form top to bottom.
We have all been betrayed by those for whom there is no impediment to taking as much as they they can. As Adam Smith observed, their credo is “all for me and nothing for anyone else.’ or something like that.
No accountability to the laws of man, or to the people of the society.
No penalty for lying on a scale that has not been seen since 1939.
At the top, in the government are liars and cheats who spin the truth and rob the people. At the top are the multi-billionaires, who have the kind of wealth once reserved for nations, and from their jet planes and million dollar condos and mansions they create chaos and extract the riches from the land and the people.
And in the bureaucracies below, in the local governments, the pattern is the same; as Mandelbrot predicts, the smallest copy of the larger entity is identical.
Here in East Ramapo, where 20 thousand kids once got a wonderful education, the crooks at the top allowed the crooks in the private schools to rob the taxpayers of all funding for our schools, so that today 2000 kids get fail to get the skills they need. How is that different then Chicago, except in the scale of the theft.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO FOLLOW MY POSTING, I invite you to see this wonderful, funny Daily Show, video that deals with the subject of HYPOCRISY, which I posted at Oped, where write.
http://www.opednews.com/Quicklink/Trevor-Noah-Points-Out-Hug-in-Best_Web_OpEds-Point-Of-View-POV_Republican-Debate_Republican-Idiots_Republican-In-Name-Only-151007-586.html#comment566182
But following the article which contains the video are 3 comments that I wrote, which the editors want me to shape into an article. I will, if time permits,.\There are also links to the series I am creating, using the info and the links that I get here, at this amazing site where TRUTH IS the conversation!
I will call the piece CHARLATANS.
I hope you will read what I wrote there.
You may comment, there, too, if you wish…although you may have to log-in as a member (no fees).
This is a link to my quick-links
http://www.opednews.com/author/quicklinks/author40790.html over 1500 links to the stories and news that shapes our schools , our culture and life earth, today,
I am proud of the fact that LA did not give their past mayor control of the schools, but people like Eli Broad ( good friends with Hilary) are now buying the district with their extreme wealth! So, the choice will be either a district run by the Billionaire Boys Club by buying the schools or by buying the politicians who control the schools. Wow! What a choice? The current state of Democracy at its worst and it looks like we continue toward the 1890’s. Anyone want to rewrite “Looking Backwords” by Edward Bellamy to reflect what really happened. Edward must be turning in his grave. Oh no, the Billionaire Boys Club bought the cemetery and built another Charter School on the land! Sorry Edward, but we call this progress in America today. We know it is not what you had in mind for Education. In our Public Schools, we are not interested in identifying each students natural gifts and innate potential, and then focusing our efforts on fully developing these individual gifts; but, we now believe in Taylor’s model for educating Public School students with the factory model and the idea that one size fits all is a more economical process for the future laborers of the Billionaire Boys Club. So much human potential in America will be wasted. Unfortunately, our current President will have this as a major part of his legacy. It could have been the beginning of a new Renaissance period for America, but then the Billionaire Boys Club might have lost their control of the Democratic process. The Progressive party fell apart and lost control to the Tea party and we are fast approaching a repeat of the 1890’s. Henry Littlefield, where are you and L. Frank Baum to comment on today’s Wizard of Gates?
Summarizes the situation perfectly. Gates-funded organizations describe the schools for the 99% as the “human capital pipeline”.
Goldman Sachs’ social impact bonds and Bridge International Academies, backed by Gates/Pearson/Zuckerberg, prove the oligarchs’ plot- to make money off of humans, from birth to the grave.
They have no decency.
The NYTimes reported that BBB will be cooperating with “the ongoing investigation”. In the meantime, Mr. Emmanuel has thrown her under the bus. Here’s the Times’ quote: “I am saddened and disappointed to learn about the criminal activity that led to today’s indictment of Barbara Byrd-Bennett,” he said. “Our students, parents, teachers and principals deserve better.”
The DO deserve better… maybe when the investigation is complete they will get something better.
“I am shocked…shocked!! to find that criminal activity is going on in here”
“Public School Sale”
Their product is disruption
Their pitch is “failing schools”
With lots of rank corruption
And loads of testing tools
Their goal is liquidation
And everything must go
The essence of the Nation
The public schools we know
What were the reasons for switching to mayoral control to begin with? Test scores?
We’ve been saying that for years here in Chicago…but where was Rahm the day the news broke, mmmm visiting his good friend DC, Obama. So how far do we really think this charter/reform/grift thing goes? Oh it goes all the way to the top and it’s nation wide. Arne the biggest rat of all is leaving the ship as fast as he can.
Welcome to running a nation the way Chicago is usually run…a giant criminal enterprise with it’s hand in your pocket at all times.
“The bribery and kickbacks indictment of former Cleveland school district CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett raises questions about whether she tried to illegally direct money to the sons of her daughter, Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts Nailah Byrd.”
Cuyahoga County is Cleveland, and a Clerk of Courts is responsible for record-keeping in Common Pleas courts.
The kickback would have been 127k to each of Byrd’s (twin) sons so it shouldn’t be difficult to find out if they received it. They’ll then have to determine if Byrd knew where the money came from-obviously Byrd could have been unaware of the whole scheme, so perhaps did nothing wrong but since she’s the clerk of courts there will be questions on that.
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/10/did_nailah_byrds_sons_receive_illegal_profits_from_barbara_byrd-bennett_indictment_of_former_cleveland_schools_ceo_raises_questions.html
Thanks for this reminder, Chiara, of how Byrd Bennett infected Cleveland with her disruption…and it was well known then and publicized on this and other sites as well as in media. Yet Rahm blithely went ahead and hired her.
Many asked why? So where is he in the mix? Will there be an audit of his personal assets? Will there be an audit showing how he handles the public’s money?
If not now, when????
These Broad Academy grads seem to be assured by Eli of lifetime jobs in endless failing districts. Same is going on in LA County where Matt Hill who was the Broadie techie who helped Deasy destroy LAUSD with iPads and MiSiS was rapidly hired as Supt. nearby, with a BoE comprised of mainly charter supporters. Seems this scenario keeps playing out across the nation. Where is the public which should be screaming out at the waste and fraud using taxpayer funds?
Is this check, balance or BS?
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/commissioner-website-will-let-public-weigh-in-on-common-core-1.10942847
If they wanted to “raise the bar for proficiency” why didn’t they just change the cut scores on the existing tests?
They could have gotten 3/4 of the way to their (supposed) goal without spending a dime, other than whatever one pays teams of experts and consultants to lend legitimacy to cut scores.
Common Core is becoming 100% about Common Core tests anyway. All they ever talk about are test scores. If they just bumped the bar for “proficiency” up 20% on the old tests they’d have gotten the same result they were seeking.
Yes, Ciara, but then they wouldn’t have had the purported justification for the immense throughputs – speed and volume of “disruption” – that they need for their takeover of the schools.
Setting the cut scores so that most students fail provides the pretext for breaking up a “failed system.” High stakes testing, politically gamed to serve the so-called reform narrative, is the lynchpin of their hostile takeover of the public schools.
Michael…your words should be posted on billboards across the country. Particularly, “disruption” which is the key to this vast takeover of the centerpiece of American democracy, our public schools.
Here is a vocabulary to add to DISRUPTION
BETRAYAL
CHARLATANS
Of course you’re right. One of the main problems with privatizing schools is that their is no checks and balances. BBB is taking the fall in hopes that the investigation ends there but it can’t and shouldn’t. Yes. This corruption, malfeasance, bribes and kickbacks is pervasive throughout the charter system and who better to run it than greedy corporate and political figures. I hope they get Rahm.
Isn’t it interesting how these frauds and scandals always have strong links to a governor or mayor who is a for profit, opaque corporate Charter school cheerleader.
For instance, Cuomo’s “Fees for Our Friends: The Scandal that Taints Andrew Cuomo” – See more at: http://www.thekomisarscoop.com/2006/08/fees-for-our-friends-the-scandal-that-taints-andrew-cuomo/#sthash.WJidz3ly.dpuf
Cuomo’s 2015 plans imperiled by scandal
The arrest Thursday of powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan, on corruption charges could either be a blessing or a curse for the Democratic governor. Also, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara hinted Thursday that he’s not done with cracking down on Albany corruption — he said “stay tuned.” Further indictments would send the Capitol spiraling.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/local/2015/01/25/andrew-cuomo-sheldon-silver-new-york-scandal-agenda/22315571/
Cuomo’s Office Hobbled Ethics Inquiries by Moreland Commission
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/23/nyregion/governor-andrew-cuomo-and-the-short-life-of-the-moreland-commission.html?_r=0
Then there’s Gov. Chris Christie and Bridge scandal threatens to taint New Jersey governor
http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/bridge-scandal-threatens-to-taint-new-jersey-governor/
15 Chris Christie Controversies You Missed
The GWB scandal wasn’t the governor’s first dip in hot water.
Read more: http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/01/15-chris-christie-controversies-you-missed-101999#ixzz3oAu1YX00
Then there is Scot Walker: The Slow-Mo Scandal That Could Crush Scott Walker’s Presidential Hopes
Can the Wisconsin Republican keep one step ahead of the investigation that’s been nipping at his heels?
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/05/scott-walker-john-doe-investigation
Media Ignores Scott Walker Transparency Scandal While Still Obsessing Over Clinton Emails
http://mediamatters.org/blog/2015/07/20/media-ignores-scott-walker-transparency-scandal/204496
Walker allegedly in ‘criminal scheme’
http://www.politico.com/story/2014/06/scott-walker-campaign-fundraising-108073
With some effort, I’m sure we could come up with a much longer list of names.
For instance, Michelle Rhee, not elected but appointed.
A Story About Michelle Rhee That No One Will Print
She lived that dream for 40 months. She opened schools on time, added social workers, beefed up art, music and physical education, and dramatically expanded preschool programs. The latter may represent her greatest success, because children who began their schooling in the expanded preschool program tend to do well on the system’s standardized test in later years. …
When Ms. Rhee departed in October 2010, her deputy, Kaya Henderson, took over. She has stayed the course for the most part, although test scores now make up–at most–35% of a teacher’s rating score.
Some of the bloom came off the rose in March 2011 when USA Today reported on a rash of ‘wrong-to-right’ erasures on standardized tests and the Chancellor’s reluctance to investigate. With subsequent tightened test security, Rhee’s dramatic test scores gains have all but disappeared. Consider Aiton Elementary: The year before Ms. Rhee arrived, 18% of Aiton students scored proficient in math and 31% in reading. Scores soared to nearly 60% on her watch, but by 2012 both reading and math scores had plunged more than 40 percentile points.
But it’s not just the test scores that have gone down. Six years after Michelle Rhee rode into town, the public schools seem to be worse off by almost every conceivable measure.
http://takingnote.learningmatters.tv/?p=6490
Many good points Lloyd..thanks. And now Rhee has come home to Sacramento, California, and we are stuck with her, and with her very dirty Mayor husband, Kevin Johnson. Among the many questionable things they are doing, which has been reported here extensively, they are continuing to open profitable charters and add to their stock of 23. In their drive for wealth and power they seem to have misused the public’s funds in many ways, such as using public offices and staff to work for their personal empire building.
With all the info that is public on this pair, shouldn’t their activities be investigated by both Federal, State, and Local governing agencies?