Emanuel calls for firing of CPS food official

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called for the immediate firing of a public schools official Saturday over allegations that she violated the district’s ethics policy by accepting pricey gifts from vendors.

In a statement, Emanuel urged the Board of Education to comply with the recommendation of Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard to fire the director of nutrition support services.

Emanuel didn’t name the official, but the Chicago Tribune cited an inspector general’s report on Saturday in identifying her as Louise Esaian. The report said Esaian and two members of her staff were given gifts worth at least $86,000 from two food companies who have done business with the district since 2007.

The gifts include an estimated $20,000 in Green Bay Packers tickets and concessions, as well as expensive meals, gifts and liquor.

“I want to express my deep personal disappointment with her actions,” Emanuel said. “Public servants must uphold the public trust, and there is no trust more important than providing our children with an education that matches up to their potential.”

No published telephone listing for Esasian could be found Saturday afternoon.

Inspector General James Sullivan said Esasian told him she was aware of the ethics policies, which forbid CPS employees from accepting gifts worth more than $50 from businesses with district contracts. She didn’t believe accepting the gifts violated the policy, he said.

The report doesn’t accuse Esasian of criminal conduct because there is no evidence that the gifts influenced bidding on contracts.