Parents 'blindsided' by removal of beloved principal, blame Rahm

Boos and chants of "We stand with Troy!" greeted Chicago Public Schools officials Monday evening as they sought to clarify for parents at Blaine Elementary School why the popular principal has been removed.

"I can honestly say this was not a politically motivated decision," said Janice Jackson, CPS' chief education officer, speaking to a crowd of about 300 inside the auditorium at Blaine, 1420 W. Grace St., in the Lake View neighborhood.

Without going into details, Jackson said Troy LaRaviere faces 12 charges that fall into three categories: "dereliction of duty," "ethics violations of state and CPS policies" and "insubordination."

Jackson, one of three CPS officials who faced the largely pro-LaRaviere crowd, was often drowned out with shouts that included "Troy for mayor!" and "Is this a dog-and-pony show?!"

Angry parents repeatedly demanded that Jackson explain what specific behavior led to LaRaviere's removal. And Jackson repeatedly said that, because it is a legal matter, she could not do so.

"This is not an easy decision to make," Jackson said. "However, in the past weeks, we could not ignore the escalation and the continued acts of misconduct and a refusal to meet with CPS and rectify those situations."

Parents at the Monday evening meeting were frustrated because they couldn't get their questions answered. During a raucous question-and-answer session, referring to ousted principal Troy LaRaviere, Blaine parent Anna Proni yelled: "What was the threat? What was he saying that was so wrong?"

Once again, Jackson said she couldn't answer. Jackson said, however, that LaRaviere has the legal right to go public with the specific charges against him.

LaRaviere has been an outspoken critic of CPS and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He supported Emanuel's opponent, Chuy Garcia, in the last election.

See the Chicago Sun-Times for the full story.