Chicago Public Schools Inspector General Resigns, Leaving a Power Vacancy in the Nation’s Largest School District Watchdog Agency
Chicago — After four years of investigating thousands of sexual misconduct complaints, among other high-profile cases, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Inspector General Will Fletcher has resigned to take on a new position at the Gateway Development Commission, a public transit agency run jointly by New York and New Jersey.
The resignation creates a power vacancy at the top of the nation’s largest school district watchdog agency, leaving room for change and potential controversies. CPS Inspector General office has overseen significant changes in the district, driving reforms through investigations and making the school district more efficient and accountable.
High-Profile Cases Investigated
Over the past four years, Fletcher’s office has tackled high-profile cases, such as investigating tens of thousands of sexual misconduct complaints and cracking down on federal Paycheck Protection Program loan abuse by district employees. In addition, Fletcher’s office led district officials to better track hundreds of thousands of laptops, tablets, and other devices purchased during the pandemic.
Moreover, his office investigated and exposed significant misconduct in the district. For instance, the investigation into automatic enrollment of all students into Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) at some high schools serving primarily Black students was particularly notable. This practice, which was brought to light in a 2021 Chalkbeat article, was halted after Fletcher’s investigation.
Impact and Legacy
Fletcher said that the most rewarding part of his job has been overseeing the sexual misconduct investigation unit. "It’s a truly unique office that gives students a voice," he noted. His work has ensured that the voice of students is heard in the face of sexual abuse and harassment, making schools safer for everyone.
Looking ahead, Fletcher emphasized that his successor must continue making the office more efficient and responsive to the public.
Sequel to Office
Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Amber Nesbitt, Fletcher’s deputy and lead of his office’s sexual allegation unit, as the acting inspector general. Johnson will eventually decide on a permanent replacement for the remaining two years of Fletcher’s term, which expires in 2026.
The new partly elected school board, taking over on January 15, 2025, could also select a new inspector general, if Mayor Johnson’s office does not appoint one to serve the remainder of the term.
Conclusion
The departure of Inspector General Will Fletcher marks the beginning of a new era at the nation’s largest school district watchdog agency. Fletcher’s achievements in driving accountability and justice in CPS and his continued commitment to keeping students’ voices heard leaves a significant legacy.
We hope the next inspector general will uphold the office’s mission, ensuring the continuity of a strong, inclusive, and transparent institution in the midst of significant transformations in CPS.
FAQs
Q: How long was Will Fletcher as the inspector general of Chicago Public Schools?
A: Will Fletcher was the inspector general for approximately four and a half years, beginning in 2020 and resigning in August 2024.
Q: What will happen to Amber Nesbitt, whom Mayor Johnson appointed as the acting inspector general?
A: It is unclear how long Nesbitt will serve as the acting inspector general until Mayor Johnson selects a permanent replacement or whether the newly elected school board will make a decision during their takeover in January 2025.
Q: What did Will Fletcher prioritize during his tenure as the inspector general?
A: Fletcher made sexual misconduct complaints a significant focus, which led to the opening of over 2,180 cases since the creation of the investigation unit. Additionally, his office investigated abuse of power and accountability.
