News Summary
Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, faces 17 federal charges, including wire fraud and embezzlement. The indictment claims he was involved in a kickback scheme that defrauded the school district and Chicago Public Schools. Horton allegedly misappropriated approximately $293,500 and misused a purchasing card for personal expenses. With severe penalties at stake, the district’s leadership expresses deep concern, implementing new safeguards amid ongoing financial challenges and potential school closures.
Evanston – Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, has been indicted on 17 federal charges, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The indictment alleges Horton was involved in a kickback scheme that defrauded both the school district and the Chicago Public Schools while he served as superintendent from June 2020 until June 2023.
During his tenure, Horton is accused of receiving over $80,000 in kickbacks through fraudulent contracts for various services such as leadership coaching and facilities security, all funded by the district. The total amount allegedly misappropriated from District 65 stands at approximately $293,500. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Horton misused a district-issued purchasing card, charging personal expenses exceeding $30,000.
Three of Horton’s associates have also been charged in connection with the scheme, which has led to concerns about financial oversight and mismanagement within the district. The U.S. Department of Education had been investigating Horton for over two years before these charges were filed.
If convicted, Horton could face severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, alongside fines related to tax evasion. As the legal proceedings unfold, Horton has been placed on paid administrative leave from his new position as superintendent in DeKalb County, Georgia, which he assumed after leaving District 65.
In the wake of the indictment, the leadership of District 65 has expressed their deep distress and anger over the allegations, emphasizing the severe breach of trust that has occurred. The current Board President Andrew Hernandez and Vice President Nichole Pinkard have indicated that the district has since implemented new safeguards to mitigate the risk of mismanagement regarding contracts and purchasing cards.
This situation comes at a tumultuous time for the district, as it faces significant financial challenges requiring cuts of up to $15 million in expenses. Community members have begun voicing concerns regarding the potential impact of these financial issues on school closures. Parents, including Washington Elementary School’s PTA President, have raised suspicions that the indictment may affect the district’s decision-making regarding school closures. They are advocating for a more transparent process and request that no more than two schools be considered for closure at once.
To address the community’s concerns, public input sessions and a school board meeting are scheduled, with a vote on possible school closures expected on November 17. The upcoming meetings are anticipated to draw significant attention from parents and stakeholders as the district navigates these challenging circumstances alongside potential restructuring efforts.
The ongoing developments regarding these legal issues and the financial state of District 65 serve as a poignant reminder of the critical need for accountability and transparency within educational institutions. The forthcoming decisions made by the school board will play a crucial role in shaping the district’s direction and restoring community trust in the aftermath of this scandal.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston RoundTable
- Chicago Tribune
- Daily Northwestern
- ABC 7 Chicago
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- Google Search: Devon Horton indictment
- Google Scholar: educational institution governance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: embezzlement
- Google News: Evanston District 65 scandal
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