Chicago Board of Education Probes Alleged Leaks to Media

Board president threatens to "out" leakers and force their resignation amid superintendent search turmoil.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Chicago Board of Education is conducting an internal investigation into alleged leaks of information to local media outlets, including Fox Chicago reporter Paris Schutz. The probe is related to reporting about a board meeting where members voted to increase the CPS property tax levy. Board president Sean Harden has threatened to "out" and "force the resignation" of any leakers, though there is no evidence the information came from board members.

Why it matters

The investigation into media leaks represents an apparent clash between the board and the press, raising concerns about transparency and the free flow of information to the public. It also comes amid a chaotic superintendent search process, further fueling tensions within the district.

The details

Fox Chicago reporter Paris Schutz received an email from a law firm representing the board, asking him to discuss information he has related to the investigation. Multiple board sources told Fox that Harden has threatened to "out" and "force the resignation" of any leakers, though there is no evidence the information came from board members. The probe is also looking into a similar leak to the Chicago Sun-Times/WBEZ after they reported on the superintendent search.

  • The special board meeting where the property tax levy increase was voted on occurred in late December.
  • The law firm's email to Paris Schutz was sent on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Sean Harden

President of the Chicago Board of Education, who has threatened to "out" and "force the resignation" of any alleged leakers.

Paris Schutz

A Fox Chicago reporter who received an email from the law firm representing the board, asking him to discuss information related to the investigation.

Alma Advisory Group

The search firm that was brought in to help find a new CPS superintendent, but mutually parted ways with the board after disagreements over finalist candidates.

Austin Berg

A watchdog at the Chicago Policy Center who has been critical of the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson, and believes Harden's actions have "crossed multiple lines."

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What they’re saying

“The mayor and the CTU should be calling on Harden to stop this investigation immediately. It's a waste of taxpayer of money at a time when CPS is asking more and more from taxpayers and borrowing more money. And it's an attack on the free press and the First Amendment.”

— Austin Berg, Watchdog, Chicago Policy Center (Fox32Chicago.com)

What’s next

The law firm conducting the investigation on behalf of the Chicago Board of Education is expected to continue its probe into the alleged media leaks, potentially leading to the identification and potential resignation of any board members found to be the source of the leaks.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the tension between the Chicago Board of Education's desire for control and transparency, and the media's role in holding public institutions accountable. The clash raises concerns about the free flow of information to the public and the board's willingness to target journalists in an effort to plug leaks.