Former CPS CEO Paul Vallas’ son dies at California substance-abuse facility

Mark Vallas, the son of former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas, has died in California, a family member told the Chicago Sun-Times.

According to a news release from the Orange County Coroner, the death occurred at 1 p.m. Saturday at New Existence Recovery in Huntington Beach.

Officials said the death investigation is being handled by the Huntington Beach Police Department.

According to its website, New Existence Recovery “provides a full array of comprehensive treatment programs to help walk the client through all stages of recovery.”

Paul Vallas declined to comment Monday. The death of Mark Vallas, 24, was confirmed by Paul Vallas’ brother, Dean, who also told a reporter that the cause of death is not yet known. He declined to comment further.

Paul Vallas is considering a bid for mayor, and he recently said he would step down from a high-ranking post at Chicago State University.

According to his Facebook page, Mark Vallas attended St. Rita of Cascia High School, and had moved to Los Angeles recently.

“He was a good kid,” St. Rita Principal Brendan Conroy said Monday. “He was hard-working. Along with his family we’re mourning his loss and have him in our prayers.”

Paul Vallas was Mayor Richard M. Daley’s schools chief from 1995 until 2001. The following year, Paul Vallas ran for the Democratic nomination for governor, losing narrowly to Rod Blagojevich.

Since then, Paul Vallas worked as a top school official in Philadelphia, New Orleans and Bridgeport, Connecticut, and ran for lieutenant governor on the unsuccessful Democratic ticket in 2014.

Mark Vallas’ mother, Sharon Vallas, is a former police officer and daughter of former Palos Heights Mayor Dean Koldenhoven.

Mark Vallas also is survived by two brothers, Paul and Gus.