April 11, 2011 (Berwyn, IL) The education advocacy organization Berwyn CARES today urged the J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 Board to demand the immediate resignation of President Jeffry Pesek for ties to drug dealers, organized crime figures and other illegal business practices exposed in published testimony from the federal criminal trial of his childhood friend and employee.
According to an article published in the Chicago Sun Times, among other dubious business relationships, Mr. Pesek partnered with a convicted cocaine, marijuana and heroin dealer in opening businesses that include a nightclub and liquor store and was recorded by the FBI discussing the 2007 mob-ordered bombing of a Berwyn business.
“The overall quality of our schools, both now and in the future, rests with decisions made by the board of education. Due to his involvement with convicted drug dealers and organized crime, and the fact that his businesses have failed to report wages, violated liquor laws and failed to disclose investors in his nightclub business, we find him unfit to lead. We call on the District 201 board to join us in demanding that Mr. Pesek resign immediately," said Robert Pauly, President of Berwyn CARES.
Cited by the Chicago Sun Times as a ‘key player in Cicero politics’, Mr. Pesek through his family and companies has contributed or loaned about $100,000 to elect Cicero Town President Larry Dominick. With Mr. Pesek’s re-election to a new term last week, CARES is also joining residents in questioning the rationale used by elected officials in Berwyn, including Mayor Robert Lovero to send out mailings endorsing Mr. Pesek, referring to him among ‘candidates which share the same interest in moving Berwyn forward.’
“With graduation rates and test scores that significantly lag the state average and a potential state takeover looming, the District 201 Board already faces a strained relationship with this community. We want the best and brightest in charge. Mr. Pesek’s federal testimony demonstrates he lacks the qualities and qualifications that students need. Now is the time for a jury of Mr. Pesek’s peers on the District 201 Board to take immediate action to remove him and for Berwyn’s elected officials to explain their endorsements,” said Mr. Pauly.
Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. (Citizens Aligned to Renew Education for Students) is a community-based organization created to improve the local education system by encouraging more family and community involvement. Since 2006, C.A.R.E.S. has established itself as the leading resource for up-to-date, reputable information on Berwyn's District 98, 100, & 201 schools. More information is available online at www.berwyncares.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment