CPS Employees Spent $23.6 Million on Vegas Luxury Trips

Tom Darby

Las Vegas, Nev. — Chicago Public Schools employees spent $23.6 million jetting to luxury conferences, often choosing Las Vegas five-star hotels, flights, and personal suites, all on taxpayer dollars, according to a new Inspector General report.

Around 600 staffers treated themselves to extravagant trips, while Chicago homeowners face the nation’s highest property taxes, including a 16.7 percent jump this year. Almost 90 percent of attendees stayed at hotels that exceeded the CPS spending limits, while 40 percent traveled without prior approval but still received compensation.

One teacher charged $945 a night for a Las Vegas hotel.

The IG called CPS travel rules “lax, vague, inadequate, and unenforced.” Records were scattered across seven incompatible databases, making oversight virtually nonexistent.

CPS has frozen travel and is forming a Travel Review Committee. Recommendations include holding conferences locally, enforcing spending caps, and disciplining staff.

Taxpayers are left footing the bill for what many are calling vacations disguised as professional development.