What fraud cases did Chicago Public Schools' Inspector General uncover?

The Inspector General uncovered cases of inflated student enrollment, misuse of federal COVID-19 assistance programs, and phony billing schemes.

How much money does Chicago Public Schools have to repay?

Chicago Public Schools must repay almost $1.2 million to the U.S. Department of Education due to fraud.

Who was involved in the fraud at Chicago Public Schools?

Involved parties include a program manager, a principal, and a former principal facing wire fraud charges.

Home / Crime and Justice / CPS Owes $1.2M Over Staffer's Years of Fraud

CPS Owes $1.2M Over Staffer's Years of Fraud

8 Jan

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Summary

CPS repays $1.2 million for inflated enrollment fraud.
A principal misused COVID-19 aid while neglecting duties.
Former principal indicted for defrauding schools.

CPS Owes $1.2M Over Staffer's Years of Fraud

Chicago Public Schools is set to repay nearly $1.2 million to the U.S. Department of Education following an Inspector General's report detailing substantial fraud. A program manager was terminated for years of inflating student enrollment figures for federal grant programs, a scheme that continued despite prior warnings and oversight. This misconduct represents a significant financial mismanagement case for the district.

Further fraud cases revealed include a principal who secured over $41,000 in COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program loans by falsely claiming self-employment, even while earning a substantial salary as a school leader. This principal also faced separate investigations for neglecting her duties. The report also highlights the indictment of Brian Metcalf, a former CPS principal, for wire fraud and a phony billing scheme defrauding CPS of at least $88,500 before leaving the district.

The Inspector General's annual report for fiscal year 2025 also noted the district's discontinuation of a problematic family income form after it was found that many parents employed by CPS misreported earnings. The district has committed to taking findings seriously, promising comprehensive training and enforcement of ethical standards.