D65 Resolution Dismisses Washington Elementary Assistant Principal
DCFS issued indicated findings of sexual exploitation and substantial risk of sexual abuse.
Trigger Warning on this story. Some graphic details in the resolution.
On March 2, 2026, Superintendent Dr. Angel Turner sent parents an update on the district's actions against Carlos Mendez. Mr. Mendez was the Assistant Principal at Washington Elementary arrested on February 5th. At the February 23, 2026 board meeting, the D65 Board voted unanimously to suspend Mendez without pay and terminate his employment.
What the Charges Say
The board resolution charges Mendez with three counts: immoral, irremediable, and cruel conduct; failure to demonstrate good judgment and serve as a role model under Section 27-12 of the Illinois School Code; and dishonest, unethical, and unprofessional conduct.
All three charges trace back to findings from a DCFS investigation.
On October 28, 2025, the district received a notification from DCFS that it had received a report of suspected abuse and/or neglect involving Mendez. The district placed him on paid administrative leave the same day.
According to the resolution, on December 23, 2025, DCFS issued indicated findings against Mendez. The resolution states (trigger warning):
"DCFS issued an indicated finding of sexual exploitation against you based on sufficient and credible evidence substantiating that you masturbated in the presence of a minor child. DCFS also issued an indicated finding of substantial risk of sexual abuse—sibling of sex abuse victim based on sufficient and credible evidence substantiating that you created a real and significant danger of sexual abuse to additional minor children."
DCFS notified Mendez's attorney of those findings on December 23rd. He was arrested and charged on February 5th. Six days later, on February 11th, the Evanston Roundtable broke the story. That afternoon, the Principal of Washington Elementary sent an email to parents:
Dear Washington Community -
I wanted to take this opportunity to respond to inquiries I have received regarding a situation involving Mr. Mendez. As a reminder, he has been on a leave of absence from his position with the District since October 28, 2025.
Please be assured that it is the District's understanding that the allegations in question are unrelated to his professional responsibilities and do not involve any District 65 students.
The safety and well-being of our community remains our highest priority. While these allegations are deeply concerning, this is a personnel matter, and we are unable to share additional details at this time.
The next day, on February 12, 2026 the Superintendent sent an email to parents, D65 Community Update on Staffing Matters:
The Washington Elementary staff member has been on a leave of absence since October 28, 2025 and the staff member at the JEH Early Childhood Center has been on leave since January 16, 2026. Neither is currently working in their role with the District. I want to assure you that it is our understanding that the allegations are unrelated to their roles or performance of duties and do not involve any current or former District 65 students.
Two days after that, on February 14, 2026, the district received DCFS documents confirming the DCFS findings from December:
B. On or about February 14, 2026, DCFS provided to the District a copy of relevant documents from its investigation involving you, including its issuance against you of indicated findings of sexual exploitation and substantial risk of sexual abuse.