2 staffers, volunteer coach removed from Mather High School amid misconduct allegations

Two staff members and a volunteer coach have been removed from Mather High School in West Rogers Park amid allegations that they “engaged inappropriately with students.”

The announcement comes after several other high-profile removals of staff members amid misconduct allegations in Chicago Public Schools, which led to protests at Lincoln Park High School and criticism of the district over how it has communicated with students and families.

In a letter sent Friday to parents, Principal Peter Auffant said the Office of the Inspector General was investigating three separate allegations involving the adults and that parents of the affected students have been notified.

Auffant did not share details on the staffers’ roles at the school, located at 5835 N. Lincoln Ave., or what sport the volunteer coached, but said that Chicago Public Schools had “removed” the staff members and blocked the coach from volunteering with the district.

Both Auffant and a spokesman for the district declined to provide additional information Saturday.

Last month, CPS suspended the Lincoln Park High School boys basketball coach and later cancelled the team’s season and removed two top administrators amid misconduct allegations.

The boys basketball coach at Curie High School was also removed from his position late last month after an allegation surfaced that he had a physical altercation with a student. Parents held a press conference Friday evening calling for a quick investigation that they believe will clear his name.

“We remain committed to providing your children with a safe, positive learning environment where they can reach their full potential, and we are working with [the Office of Student Protections and Title IX] to provide additional student protections training to our staff,” Auffant wrote in the letter.