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Fired Marine Leadership Principal Calls Situation 'Complicated'

By Darryl Holliday | July 21, 2015 2:10pm

LOGAN SQUARE — The principal of Marine Leadership Academy in Logan Square has been “removed” stemming from an investigation by the Chicago Public Schools inspector general.

Fred Aguirre was fired from his position at the former Ames Middle School, 1920 N. Hamlin Ave., according to CPS officials, who said dismissal charges against Aguirre were being reviewed. 

"CPS has high standards for its school leaders, and the District takes any allegation of impropriety very seriously. While we do not comment on personnel matters, our focus is on ensuring this school has a strong leadership team in place to effectively support the school's students and staff," according to CPS spokesman Bill McCaffrey.

The district is unable to comment on the investigation, McCaffrey said, and, according to a letter sent to Marine Academy teachers and staff, “the reassignment is a personnel matter than cannot be discussed.”

Sources within the school and a published report say Aguirre’s removal was likely due to a violation of residency requirements stating school officials must live within city boundaries.

The Sun-Times reported that Aguirre claimed a homeowners' exemption on a home in Cicero during the past two years. He told the Sun-Times that it was a "very complicated situation" and declined further comment.

According to a letter sent to Marine Academy staff from Col. Kevin Kelley, executive director of Service Leadership Academies, Assistant Principal Shanele Andrews will serve as administrator-in-charge during the transition.

“Ms. Shanele Andrews has been the Assistant Principal at the school since February 2013 and was a teacher at the school since August. We are confident that Ms. Andrews brings continuity in leadership to ensure that summer school activities operate smoothly and the teachers and students are supported,” the letter from Kelley continued.

Marine Leadership Academy officials held a meeting with teachers and parents Monday. Kelley’s phone was not accepting calls Tuesday afternoon.

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