So they got rid of SROs bc of concerns regarding the school to prison pipeline and fear that the SROs were inflicting violence on black lives (most SROs were Black or Brown and EPD….details, I know; stop asking questions, I know I know). But then they replaced them with new “security guards” or whatever they’re called now and the company they hired to do the security was run by Horton’s buddy??! And given all the bells and whistles —new SUVs etc— this switch ended up likely costing the district $$. Am I getting that right? 😵💫
After the Board took away his Phoenix Security detail (June 2022), he rebuilt a security team in house by September 2022, including hiring a guy that was a finalist for Chicago PD Chief. Labeled is as a District safety initiative. Spent $100k on two full loaded 2022 Ford Explorers in August 2022 with tinted windows and didn't disclose it to the Board. District still owns the SUVs, which are used to drive folks around on occasion. One of those vehicles would get into an accident and D65 paid $6,000 in cash to repair it and didn't file an insurance claim.
Tom, what would be a good way to get in touch with you about this? I have a friend who was on that security detail and they said they'd be open to maybe talking with you about it. I just talked with them about it after seeing this comment and they had a lot to say
Our concierge is really nice, but is his position necessary? We have an auxiliary administrative assistant whose position in the past included answering the door/greeting families…our meetings with families are more often on Zoom so not many parents walk in the door post-Covid…also the concierges do “security walks” but I’m not sure what that does since it’s only certain times of the day…
So they got rid of SROs bc of concerns regarding the school to prison pipeline and fear that the SROs were inflicting violence on black lives (most SROs were Black or Brown and EPD….details, I know; stop asking questions, I know I know). But then they replaced them with new “security guards” or whatever they’re called now and the company they hired to do the security was run by Horton’s buddy??! And given all the bells and whistles —new SUVs etc— this switch ended up likely costing the district $$. Am I getting that right? 😵💫
After the Board took away his Phoenix Security detail (June 2022), he rebuilt a security team in house by September 2022, including hiring a guy that was a finalist for Chicago PD Chief. Labeled is as a District safety initiative. Spent $100k on two full loaded 2022 Ford Explorers in August 2022 with tinted windows and didn't disclose it to the Board. District still owns the SUVs, which are used to drive folks around on occasion. One of those vehicles would get into an accident and D65 paid $6,000 in cash to repair it and didn't file an insurance claim.
Here is a photo of the vehicles
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n7tIjyV76OfNJ046P0p2H5KGrdOudXyp/view?usp=drive_link
Stay tuned. Big story coming down the pipe.
Tom, what would be a good way to get in touch with you about this? I have a friend who was on that security detail and they said they'd be open to maybe talking with you about it. I just talked with them about it after seeing this comment and they had a lot to say
Our concierge is really nice, but is his position necessary? We have an auxiliary administrative assistant whose position in the past included answering the door/greeting families…our meetings with families are more often on Zoom so not many parents walk in the door post-Covid…also the concierges do “security walks” but I’m not sure what that does since it’s only certain times of the day…