Urban Prep Charter Founder Wins New CPS Inquiry

Introduction to the Case

A Cook County Circuit judge ordered Chicago Public Schools to redo its investigation into whether the once-lauded founder and former CEO of Urban Prep Charter Schools committed sexual misconduct. The judge’s ruling, released Thursday, comes after Tim King’s attorney submitted a motion last month stating that the alleged victim recanted all accusations. King was accused of grooming a 16-year-old and then engaging in years of inappropriate sexual activity.

Background of the Allegations

In her decision, Judge Eve Reilly said she was ordering the new inquiry based on her opinion that King did not receive the proper due process during the first investigation. She did not rule on the merits of recantation, but she wrote it would be “just” for CPS to consider this new evidence. “Thus, this matter should be remanded to CPS to conduct a new investigation altogether and to contemplate the significance of the former student recanting all allegations,” she wrote.

The Rise and Fall of Tim King

King was named People magazine’s hero of the year in 2010 for his charter schools where all of its students — virtually all Black males — were admitted to college. But after the inspector general’s finding of sexual misconduct in 2022, King was barred from working for the Urban Prep Academies charter schools, stepping foot on their campuses, and a do not hire flag was put on his personnel file. King filed a lawsuit soon after the inspector general’s finding in 2022 asking the court for administrative review.

Reaction to the Ruling

Chicago Public Schools said it wouldn’t comment on pending investigations or litigation. King and his attorney also chose not to comment. King’s attorneys have maintained since the onset that the investigation was a “kangaroo” investigation and was full of holes. According to a motion submitted to the court, the recantation happened after the alleged victim had a chance meeting with King on the street. In a sworn statement, the alleged victim acknowledged that he made a series of accusations against King, but now says that King didn’t engage in any “grooming” or sexual contact when he was a student.

Details of the Recantation

That student went on to work for Urban Prep after graduation. As an employee, he says King “never sexually harassed or sexually discriminated against me,” according to the statement. The former student also says that King “never engaged in any forced or quid-pro-quo sexual contact with me.” “At the time, my statements were not truthful, and I now understand the serious harm they caused,” the statement reads. “I want to state unequivocally that my accusations against Tim King were entirely false. I am recanting them fully and voluntarily because they do not reflect the truth.”

CPS Response and Due Process

CPS attorneys responded in court filings to the recantation by saying that it was immaterial. The case for administrative review came down to a question of whether new due process rules should be applied retroactively. CPS maintained some of the due process that King was demanding — including the opportunity to be informed of the allegations and to respond, as well as other opportunities to prove the accusations were untrue — were put in place for all cases after the misconduct allegedly occurred and therefore did not apply. But in her decision, Reilly said if some of the accused in general are allowed more due process, “then it is due everyone.”

Urban Prep Still Troubled

Separate from the sexual misconduct finding, Urban Prep has been mired in other problems. A 2022 CPS memo detailed financial troubles, from struggles to make payroll, a need for cash advances from the district and having to rely on credit cards and high-interest loans. The CPS inspector general also launched investigations into how Urban Prep was allowed to continue operation, despite its financial trouble, and whether it committed fraud when it applied for federal Paycheck Protection Program funds during the pandemic. Urban Prep received a $3.1 million loan, even though CPS continued providing charter schools money during the pandemic.

Ongoing Investigations

WBEZ reported in January that Federal investigators subpoenaed “any and all records pertaining to reimbursement payments made to Timothy King” and also requested that Urban Prep turn over “all emails sent to or from” King’s official account at the privately run but publicly funded charter operator. Sources with knowledge of the investigation told WBEZ in January that the probe was continuing. No criminal charges have been filed in the case.

Current Status of Urban Prep

Meanwhile, Urban Prep charter schools have been greatly diminished. At their height, Urban Prep had 1,500 students across three campuses on the South and West sides of the city. Because of the reports of financial mismanagement, CPS sought to take over the charter schools in October 2022. But Urban Prep sued and won. Urban Prep continues to operate two schools, which now have fewer than 200 students across both campuses.

Conclusion

The ruling by Judge Eve Reilly ordering a new investigation into the allegations against Tim King marks a significant turn in the case. The recantation by the alleged victim and the judge’s opinion that King did not receive proper due process during the first investigation have raised questions about the handling of the case. As the new investigation proceeds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the future of Urban Prep and its founder.

FAQs

• Q: What was the outcome of the judge’s ruling in the Tim King case?
  A: The judge ordered Chicago Public Schools to redo its investigation into whether Tim King committed sexual misconduct.
• Q: Why did the judge order a new investigation?
  A: The judge ordered a new investigation because she believed Tim King did not receive the proper due process during the first investigation, and to consider the new evidence of the alleged victim’s recantation.
• Q: What were the allegations against Tim King?
  A: Tim King was accused of grooming a 16-year-old and then engaging in years of inappropriate sexual activity.
• Q: What is the current status of Urban Prep charter schools?
  A: Urban Prep continues to operate two schools with fewer than 200 students across both campuses, significantly diminished from its peak of 1,500 students across three campuses.
• Q: Are there any ongoing investigations related to Urban Prep?
  A: Yes, there are ongoing investigations into financial mismanagement and potential fraud related to Urban Prep’s application for federal Paycheck Protection Program funds during the pandemic.