The Chicago Public Schools Inspector General has reportedly found $14.5 million in “excessive” travel expenses, noting issues with the district’s approval process and use of federal relief funds. The office criticized the lack of accountability in expense approvals and called for stronger oversight to ensure proper fund management. The Inspector General recommended procedural reforms to prevent similar problems in the future.
The report states much of the spending went to out‑of‑town employee development seminars and overnight student outings. It notes that many trips lacked required preapproval. Investigators flagged over $142,000 spent on 15 staff trips abroad and a principal’s repeated unapproved Las Vegas trips, including $400-per-night hotel charges.
Congressional and local officials requested further financial reviews, including five years of Chicago Teachers Union audits. District and city officials noted they will act on the inspector general’s recommendations…