Chicago school board candidates address past controversies ahead of election
Three candidates for the newly created school board presidency discussed allegations regarding misconduct, employment history, and family law records in recent interviews.
By Dominic Foster ·
Chicago voters will select a school board president for the first time on Tuesday, November 3. The three candidates running for the seat face scrutiny over past incidents that they have addressed in recent interviews with CBS News Chicago.
Hilario Dominguez, a former teacher and deputy political director for the Chicago Teachers Union, responded to sexual misconduct allegations from approximately a decade ago. A then-17-year-old woman claimed he asked questions about her dating life while they were alone. Dominguez stated that the allegations have been reviewed four times, with each review concluding the matter was unfounded and unsubstantiated. He noted that the Office of Inspector General for Chicago Public Schools reopened the case and spoke publicly about it, actions he said are inconsistent with the office's usual policies. Dominguez said the investigation cleared him for the fourth time in ten years and that the focus should now shift to school issues.
Jessica Biggs, who served as a principal in Chicago Public Schools until 2018, discussed her dismissal from that role. She described the district's decision as an attempt to save money at the expense of students with disabilities. The District Inspector General had found that Biggs may have falsified attendance data and sent staff to transport students in violation of policy. She was placed on the district's do-not-hire list, a designation that was removed last year. Biggs called the initial investigation incomplete and said she is proud to no longer be on the list.
Victor Henderson, a lawyer and parent, addressed questions regarding his 2010 divorce records. His ex-wife's petition claimed he hit their oldest child, leaving marks on the boy's face and arms. Henderson acknowledged that he sometimes raised his voice to get his children to listen but stated that a judge did not find the behavior inappropriate. He emphasized that while he disciplined his children, there was never abuse.
The interviews with the candidates are part of a guide for Illinois midterm elections. The election will determine the first president of the Chicago school board under the new system.
