News Summary
Devon Horton, former Superintendent of the Evanston/Skokie School District, has been indicted on 17 federal charges including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The indictment claims Horton was involved in a kickback scheme that defrauded the school district and Chicago Public Schools out of approximately $293,500. Along with three associates charged, the allegations have raised concerns within the community regarding financial management and potential school closures, prompting the district to implement new safeguards.
Evanston, Illinois – Devon Horton, the former Superintendent of Evanston/Skokie School District 65, has been indicted on 17 federal charges, including wire fraud, embezzlement, and tax fraud. The indictment alleges that Horton, who held the superintendent position from June 2020 to June 2023, participated in a kickback scheme that defrauded the school district and Chicago Public Schools, totaling approximately $293,500.
According to the indictment, Horton is accused of receiving over $80,000 in kickbacks for fraudulent contracts linked to services such as leadership coaching and facilities security. Additionally, he misused a district-issued purchasing card to charge personal expenses amounting to over $30,000. If convicted, Horton faces severe penalties, which could include up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charges and potential fines for tax evasion.
Horton’s indictment follows a two-year investigation by the U.S. Department of Education. In connection with the alleged scheme, three of Horton’s associates—Antonio Ross, Alfonzo Lewis, and Samuel Ross—have also been charged.
Members of the District 65 Board, including President Sergio Hernandez and Vice President Nichole Pinkard, expressed that they are deeply troubled and angered by the allegations. In response, the district has implemented new safeguards to prevent future mismanagement of contracts and purchasing cards since Horton’s departure. However, these allegations have raised significant concerns within the community.
During a recent community meeting, parents expressed their worries over the impact of these allegations on the district’s financial stability and the potential for school closures. Washington Elementary School’s PTA President Christie Norrick remarked that the indictment has led to increased suspicions among parents regarding the school closure process. Norrick has called for greater transparency and data before any decisions are made about closing schools, advocating that no more than two schools should be closed at once.
Public input sessions and a school board meeting have been scheduled to discuss these issues further, with a vote on potential school closures expected on November 17. The district is currently facing significant financial challenges, necessitating cuts of up to $15 million in expenses.
After leaving Evanston/Skokie District 65 in June 2023, Horton was hired as superintendent in DeKalb County, Georgia; however, he has since been placed on paid administrative leave following the indictment. Current school board leaders have characterized the indictment as a severe breach of trust, impacting the entire district.
The community remains apprehensive about the future of educational services in Evanston/Skokie District 65, as the fallout from this situation continues to raise significant issues regarding financial management, transparency, and the potential closure of schools.
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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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