Ex-head of Chicago schools pleads guilty in kickbacks scheme

CHICAGO (AP) — The former head of Chicago Public Schools pleaded guilty today to a fraud charge in an alleged scheme to steer $23 million in no-bid contracts to education firms for $2.3 million in bribes and kickbacks.

Barbara Byrd-Bennett, who ran the nation's third-largest school district for nearly three years, had faced 20 fraud counts, each with a maximum 20-year prison term. She pleaded guilty to one fraud count in federal court in Chicago, however. In exchange, prosecutors will dismiss all the other counts.

Federal prosecutors are seeking a sentence of 7 1/2 years in prison. U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang will sentence the 66-year-old at a later date.

Appearing tense and her voice subdued, Byrd-Bennett stood unmoving before the judge, answering questions with, "Yes, your honor."

Mayor Rahm Emanuel hired Byrd-Bennett as CEO in 2012, and she resigned earlier this year.

CPS is facing a steep budget shortfall and a severely underfunded pension system, as well as lingering criticism after dozens of schools were closed in 2013 in what Emanuel and education officials argued would help focus resources and improve the school system.