News Summary
Devon Horton, the ex-Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, faces 17 felony counts related to wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. Allegations include misappropriating over $80,000 in kickbacks from fraudulent contracts and misusing a district purchasing card. The scandal has prompted deep concern among school board leaders and community members, particularly amidst ongoing discussions about potential school closures. The district is moving to implement safeguards following the breach of trust.
Evanston, Illinois – Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie District 65, has been indicted on 17 felony counts, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud, amid serious allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure from June 2020 to June 2023. The indictment suggests Horton was involved in a kickback scheme that defrauded both his own district and the Chicago Public Schools.
The federal indictment accuses Horton of improperly receiving over $80,000 in kickbacks through fraudulent contracts for various services, including leadership coaching and facilities security. In total, it is alleged that approximately $293,500 was defrauded from District 65. Besides Horton, three associates—Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross—are also facing charges related to the scheme. Furthermore, Horton is accused of misusing a district-issued purchasing card for personal expenses exceeding $30,000.
Given the severity of these charges, Horton could face substantial penalties, with potential prison time of up to 20 years for wire fraud, along with fines related to tax evasion. The U.S. Department of Education had been investigating Horton for over two years prior to the indictment, signaling the seriousness of the accusations against him.
In response to the allegations, the District 65 board leadership expressed deep concern and anger over the breach of trust. Board President Sergio Hernandez and Vice President Nichole Pinkard conveyed their distress through official statements, emphasizing the need for integrity in school administration. In light of Horton’s departure, the district has taken proactive measures by implementing new safeguards to enhance oversight of contracts and the use of purchasing cards, aiming to prevent any future mismanagement.
The scandal has also raised alarm among community members, especially concerning ongoing discussions about potential school closures. During a recent meeting, Washington Elementary School’s PTA President stated that the indictment has raised suspicions among parents about the transparency and fairness of the school closure process. Concerns were expressed that the district needs to provide more substantial data before making any closure decisions, advocating against the closure of more than two schools at once.
As the district grapples with these issues, public input sessions and a school board meeting are set to take place, with a vote on potential school closures expected on November 17. This dialogue comes at a time when District 65 is facing considerable financial hurdles, necessitating cuts of up to $15 million in expenses.
Following his departure from District 65, Horton took a position as superintendent in DeKalb County, Georgia; however, in light of the indictment, he has been placed on paid administrative leave. The unfolding situation underscores a significant lapse in governance and has eroded trust within the educational community. Current school board leaders have indicated that measures will be taken to restore confidence among parents, staff, and students following this alarming episode.
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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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