Feds looking into how CPS principals admitted students

Tribune:

Entry into selective-enrollment high schools is based on a point system, with 1,000 as the top score. Points are generated from a student's middle school test scores, elementary school grades, attendance and entrance exam score.

But beginning last school year, principals got the right to select up to 5 percent of the students. They can consider only extenuating circumstances, such as achievement in extracurricular activities, leadership, family hardship and whether a sibling also attends the school.

According to the subpoena, federal authorities have asked the district to turn over a list of all students who applied and those who were chosen through the principal selection process; correspondence between the district and public officials related to applications for principal selection slots; and all documents, including test scores and evaluations of students who applied through the principal selection process.

Federal investigators also are seeking an "organizational chart for the central office of the Chicago Board of Education" and all policies and guidelines that principals are supposed to use to pick students.
...
The Tribune reported today that Greg Minniefield, a top aide to Scott, has been caught up in the internal probe.

According to sources, Minniefield's relative got into prestigious Whitney Young High School through back channels before withdrawing after questions arose. That case is part of the district's probe.

District officials found out earlier this year about the Minniefield incident. His relative was accepted into Young for the upcoming school year outside the regular application process, and officials "flagged" the admission, sources said. Shortly after, the relative was withdrawn from the ultracompetitive school, sources said.

You know they talked about this on Chicago Tonight this evening. Perhaps I should get that video here when it's available.