The Chicago Public Schools food director and two of her staff accepted $87,000 in gifts from the two largest food vendors to the system, says a report by the CPS inspector general. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Schools chief Jean-Claude Brizardhave both called for Louise Esaian to step down. I don't see why everyone is having a fit over this. It's just another form of "pay to play." Chicago Tribune: "CPS employees have an obligation to the students, families and taxpayers of the district to hold themselves to the highest ethical standards," the statement read. "We simply cannot, and will not, allow any employee to break" that trust. Emanuel echoed that thought in a separate statement, expressing "deep personal disappointment" with Esaian's alleged actions. Esaian, who has not publicly responded to the allegations, could not be reached Saturday for comment. The report submitted to CPS officials late last week by district Inspector General James Sullivan accuses Esaian...(Read Full Post)