Staffers removed at 2 CPS campuses

Investigations target Jones Prep and Lincoln Park

Two staff members at Chicago high schools have been removed from their respective campuses amid investigations into activity that had “recently come to light,” according to emails sent to parents Thursday.

On Thursday, separate emails informed families of students at Lincoln Park High School and Jones College Prep that a staff member had been removed from their schools. Both emails began the same way: “The safety of your children is always our top priority, which is why I must inform you of a situation that has recently come to light.”

Addressing the Lincoln Park boys basketball team families, Principal John Thuet said he’d been “made aware” that members of the team “took an overnight trip over winter break that was not a school sponsored event.”

“The staff member who led the trip has been removed from the school, and the district is investigating this situation in accordance with CPS policy,” Thuet wrote.

At Jones, an email from Principal P. Joseph Powers said there’d been “an allegation that one of our staff members engaged inappropriately with students” and that the employee was removed from the school.

The Office of the Inspector General is investigating, according to Powers’ email.

Both principals’ emails ended on the same note: “While I am unable to discuss details regarding the investigation, I am always available to discuss steps the district takes to keep students safe and matters related to your child.”

Neither principal has responded to inquiries from the Tribune, and CPS officials did not provide additional information.

Jones is a selective enrollment school in Printers Row, while Lincoln Park is a neighborhood school with a performing arts magnet program as well as honors and International Baccalaureate programs.