Business & Finance

Businessman who bribed Chicago Public Schools CEO pleads guilty

Gary Solomon paid bribes to the school district's CEO to steer district business to his principal-training firm.
Oct. 18, 2016

The so-called mastermind of a Chicago Public Schools contract-rigging scheme that funneled bribes to the district's CEO has pleaded guilty to fraud.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Gary Solomon, 48, admitted guilt to one count of wire fraud.

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett

Prosecutors say Solomon, along with Barbara Byrd=Bennett, who was CEO of Chicago Public Schools, was part of the plot to steer $23 million in no-bid deals from the district to the SUPES Academy, which provided training for school principals.

Solomon faces a maximum of 20 years in prison when he is sentenced March 24. He also must pay $254,000 in restitution.

Byrd-Bennett pleaded guilty a year ago. She has not been formally sentenced, but had agreed to a reduced sentence of about seven years in exchange for her cooperation in the case. Byrd-Bennett left the top job in the district in April 2015 as the federal investigation was gathering evidence.

Thomas Vranas, 35, Solomon’s business partner, pleaded guilty in April to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery. He also awaits sentencing.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy, senior editor, has written for AS&U on a wide range of educational issues since 1999.

Sign up for American School & University Newsletters