Former principal gets probation for thefts

A former Chicago Public Schools principal accused of forging checks and stealing $35,000 from a school account over a two-year period has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft.

After entering the plea Thursday, Mirna Diaz was sentenced to two years probation and 832 hours of community service.

Cook County Circuit Judge Marcus Salone suggested the 55-year-old Diaz, who was principal of Chicago's Nobel Elementary School for 20 years, spend some time each week reading to kindergarten students.

Cook County prosecutors said Diaz, by forging a secretary's signature, was able to use internal school checking accounts to pay for personal items, including a laptop computer for her daughter.

According to prosecutors, Diaz has since paid back the entire $35,000.

Diaz was fired from the district in May. Prosecutors say as part of her plea agreement, Diaz will keep her pension.