Chicago Public Schools CEO resigns following ethics investigation

Forrest Claypool will step down as the head of Chicago Public Schools after the CPS inspector general recommended his firing.

Chicago Public Schools CEO Forrest Claypool has resigned after an investigation by the CPS inspector general found Claypool “repeatedly lied” and participated in a “full-blown cover-up” during an ethics probe of a CPS attorney.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson would replace Claypool.

“I want to thank Forrest for his exemplary service to the city of Chicago and the residents of the city of Chicago,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a press conference announcing Claypool’s resignation.

The CPS inspector general found Claypool misled investigators throughout an ethics probe of attorney Ronald Marmer, who was hired by the school district to supervise legal work from Jenner & Block while still receiving severance payments from the law firm.

CPS Inspector General Nicholas Schuler called for Claypool’s termination.