According to Catalyst, Saffold was named AIO in 2006 after a four-year stint at Vanderpool Magnet. She's quoted in a 2008 Tribune article claiming that parent engagement explained her area's notable high ISAT scores. There was also a mystery comment on this site nearly a year ago, asking about information about a lawsuit. A former principal named named Phyllis Porter sued the Waukegan school system for sexual harassment in 1996.
What's been going on out there in Area 16?
21 Comments
luckey said:
Saffold's school is a magnet school that selects students for quite a while now. Also, she got both jobs becasue she is related to a (former) Board member--pay to play baby. I hope it has caught up with her.
zeta said:
On the situation with Karen Saffold and other African American females. I know of Ms. Saffold and her AIO friends in high places. These women constantly engage in bullying and attacking other African American females who are not in their clique. ( AKA sorority). I believe every word Ms. Porter has said because I have witnessed this kind of behavior in regards to how Dr.(?)Saffold and her gang of educated sorority thugs demean and attack other African American Women. These cowards would never do this to anyone else. However, once they see a single African American female struggling to work and put food on the table for their families, they engage in bullying, intimidation and attacking these women. If Ms.Porter was a teacher, they would simply attack her and feed her to he CPS Law Department, who would finish her off. However, since she is not an employee, they decided to intimidate her and principals who would not join the sorority thugs (who include CEE, chief AKA thug). These tactics are commonly used on the South Side of Chicago. Instead of these two educated African American women coming together to have an intelligent disagreement and debate over issues, they are engaged in this embarrassing fiasco. After everything that we have been through in this country, how dare
you Dr. Saffold!
SurpriseSurprise said:
I agree with you zeta, because I know saffold, and a couple of her fellow higherups, too. but i'm not sure it's primarily an aka thing.
i think, in saffold's case, it's primarily an "i have power in cps and unless you bow to me and hook me up, i'm going to make sure you don't get squat" thing.
one would think that cps staff are suppsosed to use their positions to educate children. instead, some people see education in cps as some sort of grand HUSTLE where they have only so long to use their positions to help themselves -- and then they retire with all of their money.
i think black women are most often targeted because where else can we go and who will listen to us.
according to the news reports about ms portor's law suit, even though there was a principal standing right there, saffold demanded $10,000 from porter. when ms. portor reported what happened, it seems there was some kind of an investigation (yeah, right) but not enough evidence was found to back up ms porter's claim.
this is why ms porter SUED. (YOU GO, GIRL!)
i think to paint this situtation as an overactive aka gone wild would be a mistake and not fair to some of the akas, who, i'm sure, have been on the bad side of a safford-like person as well.
no, i think this is simply a case of a black woman who is in a powerful position using her authority to hurt other blacks, especially black women. this not only happens in education, but many other people in other professions can attest to having had to work with a safford-like black personality as well.
it's just that most people aren't STUPID enough to ask for a BRIBE in front of witnesses.
no wonder cps is failing our students. too many corrupt administrators and too few people to watch them.
shocked said:
I never realized how prevalent soroities and fraternities are at CPS, and the influence they have on, in school politics. Intolerance and human rights violations for those that did not choose to pledge have been documented.
Alexander Russo said:
thanks for these interesting comments. i'm curious about the sorority angle -- is it really that prevalent in CPS? who else besides saffold is an AKA?
-- alexander
Sophia said:
Well, I am not sure specifically who else besides Saffold is an AKA but I can tell you that CPS is chock full of them. Typically, Black professional women working within CPS who are involved in sororities are either an AKA or Delta. In my personal experience, AKAs who work within CPS and have made it to the higher positions sometimes act like they are in the mob or something similar. I have no inside information regarding this particular case, but I would not doubt if Mrs. Saffold did in fact try to shakedown the contractor in question. The most telling thing is that probably NOTHING will happen to Saffold and business as usual will continue to resume. There are MANY AKAs higher up than Saffold protecting her, I am sure. I think the contractor's ONE mistake was not going to the police and allowing herself to be wired so that she could at least have a leg to stand on and that would have ensured that Saffold would be prosecuted and she would have more protection if CPS officals tried to cancel her contracts after she dropped the dime. As it stands now, it's her word against Saffold's not to mention this mysterious principal who probably will not testify for fear of losing her own job.
Anonymous said:
Comments written by the Zeta person is "ABSOLUTELY TRUE TO THE VERY LAST WORD"! To further describe the unprofessional situation, I contend that these sorority thugs are unhappy in their personal lives thus using their employment to gain power over their colleagues comparable to that of the slave trade. You may instantly think this is an exaggeration but, come to one of these south side schools unannounced.
zeta said:
If you want to know who the head AKA is, it's the CEO. Then follow the trail down to almost every African American female who is an AIO. I think 100% of them are (or at least 80%)AKA's. Not to mention the principals in their Areas 50-75% AKA and a few Deltas. These sororities are so powerful that when schools close, AKA, Delta principals come and offer jobs only to their "soros". Of course these are not the most highly qualified people. What a shame to have a situation where organizations formed to move our race forward are now discriminating agaisnt their own people.
TRUTH said:
I am an African American female Principal at a CPS School. I am not a sorority member nor am I married to fraternity brother. I am a product of hard work. Unfortunately, we can not stop politicians, school administrators and the like from hiring their friends, sorority and fraternity kinships. If and when nepotism comes to light these individuals will have to prove that they are competent. These same individuals who have someone managed to get hired in the right spot with the right salary will find themselves like many others wishing, hoping and praying that their names are not included in the next group of terminated CPS employees! Stay tuned!
Anonymous said:
The sorority's concept should be banned from all CPS without a doubt. I am personally appalled at the behavior of these supposedly professional women. Take a survey and you will find that 9 out of 10 them don't have a significant other. I have been subjected to bullying from a Delta who created such a scene that other colleagues left their own work area to come and ask the "Delta" to stop. This is one of the most ignorant, poorly speaking educators I have ever encountered. Most of all it is quite sad that black women have resorted to such gang like, ghetto behavior. Hopefully, some of the sorority members will see this blog and share at their meetings. And we wonder why our children are not being educated!
Witness said:
I noticed the encounters I've had with Soros and Fraternity brothers at CPS. have been mainly concerning injustices and discrimination in promotion, and leadership. They have a "cult" like mentality, there is a flagrant disregard for nonmembers, resulting in insulting and humiliating commments and tactics.I was amazed to discover that most AIOs are members. African Americans have another obstacle to overcome.
ProudSoror said:
I am wondering if there is any jealousy as far as women who are not SORORS? Most of the sorority members I know are married and had the determination to rise to high positions like AIO. Why is being successful a bad thing and helping out other members something that is a negative? I've seen cases where non members are jealous and cannot deal with women who are on the ball and go getters.
Sophia said:
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nation’s oldest sorority for collegiate and professional black women, are asking a D.C. court to remove the group’s national leadership and order its president to return funds allegedly paid in contravention of the organization’s bylaws.
The group’s national president, Barbara McKinzie, has come under fire for a long list of alleged financial misdeeds. The most interesting of those allegations: The plaintiffs claim McKinzie used the organization’s money to commission a $900,000 “living legacy wax figure” of herself.
McKinzie could not be reached for comment.
Eight members of Alpha Kappa Alpha filed the complaint in D.C. Superior Court on June 20 “to restore their beloved sorority to its former high standards of governance, corporate transparency and active member communication,” according to the complaint itself.
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) was founded at Howard University in 1908 and now boasts more than 950 chapters in cities and colleges around the world, claiming more than 200,000 members that include some of the most prominent and successful black female business leaders in the country.
The membership rolls include at least one retired D.C. Superior Court judge, Mary Terrell, and former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt.
Most Washingtonians recall the organization’s centennial celebration last summer — downtown D.C. was swarmed by thousands of AKA members decked head to toe in pink and green. The event drew nearly 20,000 guests to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, setting a Guinness world record for the largest sit-down dinner in the history of conventions worldwide.
The event itself, though, is part of the controversy. The massive attendance — and a registration fee that was twice as high as it had been in prior years, $500 per person — generated significant surplus funds for the organization, the plaintiffs allege. The plaintiffs claim that McKinzie, with the approval of the group’s directors but without the approval of the overall membership, spent the surplus funds on McKinzie’s “pet projects,” including the wax figure, projects to help Liberian women, the Ford Museum and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History.
In addition, the plaintiffs took issue with McKinzie’s alleged misuse of a corporate credit card for personal expenses, a $375,000 lump sum payment McKinzie received, and a $4,000 monthly stipend McKinzie is to be paid for four years after she leaves office.
According to the complaint, McKinzie’s position is typically an unpaid one, and the payments allegedly should have been included in a budget to be discussed at the group’s 2008 annual meeting, called the Boulé. McKinzie first delayed that budget discussion and then canceled it, the complaint alleges.
The group’s directors have asserted in the past that the payments were to compensate McKinzie for a significant amount of accounting and consulting work she did on behalf of the organization.
The group’s accounting and investment strategies are also under fire. According to the complaint, several of the deductions on the sorority’s 2006 and 2007 tax returns are “unreasonably large and inappropriate” and may “expose[] the organization to potential IRS claims and obligations.” The sorority is a non-profit organization incorporated under D.C. law. It also has a non-profit foundation that is incorporated in Illinois.
Under McKinzie’s leadership, AKA also shifted several million dollars of the sorority’s and the foundation’s funds from cash and cash equivalents to stock and bond investments — those investments have since plummeted in value, according to the complaint.
The organization has also allegedly spent more than $500,000 in legal fees in 2008 and 2009 for “actions against whistleblowers.”
Members who have voiced concerns over the alleged financial improprieties have had their membership privileges “withdrawn, suspended and otherwise adversely affected,” according to the complaint.
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/pro...27&id=10178333
NBCT and AKA said:
If there is a connection between AIOs and AKA it's that both require individuals to be committed professional and personal excellence. For those who do not know, members of African American sororities and fraternities are college educated professionals who continue their commitment to excel professionally and serve the community long after their college days end. But people are drawn to these organizations because they are already leaders who embody excellence and uplift, the sororities and fraterneities do not create excellence in individuals; nor have they set up a shadow industry that rules CPS. My mother, aunts and uncles are all members of Black Greek organizations, but they raised me to be educated, membership in AKA came second. Greek affiliation happens AFTER one demonstrates they exemplify excellence personally and professionally. Black Greek organizations, of which AKA is the oldest sorority, are full of professionals and leaders who work hard to achieve professional success and to help the community. In fact, you would be hard pressed to find Black professionals without a Greek affiliation.
Anyone who claims a conspiracy among fraternities is mistaken. It is sad that there are those who would rather deflect their frustration about their personal demons on those who choose to live life in excellence and in service and without making excuses. If AKA is guilty of anything it is of unashamedly demanding that every individual rise to meet the high expectations that our community has for African American professionals.
NBCT and AKA said:
And SOPHIA please NOTE that the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha are holding its leadership accountable as they are the ones who filed this suit. Excellence without excuses -- that's AKA.
Sophia said:
It seeems to me that the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha have kicked out the members who were trying to hold the leadership responsible for the finanical fraud and misgivings. You said AKA id "excellence without excuses" but you failed to mention that the sorors who questioned these individuals have been dismissed. In case you missed that part...here are your sorors who have been kicked out of your org for demanding answers from the President and her ilk.
Plaintiffs
Joy Elaine Daley, Newburgh, N.Y.
Kezirah Means Vaughters, Wyncote, Penn.
Carol P. Ray, Philadelphia, Penn.
Elizabeth Berry Holmes, Wyncote, Penn.
Catherine Alicia Georges, Bronx, N.Y.
Marie L. Cameron, Atlanta, Ga.
Brenda Georges, Fairburn, Ga.
Frances Tyus, Warrensville Heights, Ohio
Defendants
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
AKA Educational Advancement Foundations Inc.
Barbara A. McKinzie, Olympia Fields, Ill.
Carolyn House Stewart, Thonotosassa, Fla.
Melanie C. Jones, Washington, D.C.
Dorothy Buckhanana Wilson, Mequon, Wis.
Freddie Groomes-McLendon, Tallahassee, Fla.
Glenda Glover, Jackson, Miss.
Shayla M. Johnson, Washington, D.C.
Noel Marie Niles, Troy, Mich.
Pamela Bates Porch, Chicago, Ill.
Lavern Tarkington, Phoenix, Ariz.
Schylbea J. Hopkins, Detroit, Mich.
Norma Tucker, Oakland, Calif.
Ruby Batts Archie, Danville, Va.
Hon. Vicki Miles LaGrange, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Evelyn Sample-Oates, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.
Ella Springs Jones, Augusta, Ga.
Gwendolyn Brinkley, Houston, Texas
Juanita Sims Doty, Jackson, Miss.
Tari Bradford, Shreveport, La.
Betty Nolan James, Chicago, Ill.
E. LaVonne Lewis, Las Vegas, Nev.
Ranika Sanchez, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Adria Robinson, Aurora, Colo.
Shaylyn Cochran, Mansfield, Ohio
Copyright 2009 bizjournals.com
soror teacher said:
Unfortunately, many of the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority have been using their clout to promote their members within the Chicago Public Schools. Their clout list extends all the way to BEW. I've seen AIO's be promoted over more qualified candidates merely because of their sorority affiliation. I was told by principals and other colleagues, if you pledge AKA you would be a "shoe in" for any high ranking position within CPS. When I apply for jobs, I choose not to identify any Greek affiliation for fear that I will not be judged solely on the basis of my qualifications. I strongly believe that there are some AKAs that don’t do this, however they are in the minority. Once you are blacklisted by their members, you can rest assured that your chances of being promoted will be ruined. As a member of a Black Greek organization, it pains me to see that we are still exhibiting that Jim Crow mentality by discriminating against ourselves. Yes AKA is the oldest black sorority in America, but some how many of its members are still using some of those discriminatory policies in the name of "sisterhood" that should have died 100 years ago. It's time to make a change.
Carlah said:
I am not sure about how i is on the West Side, the way some sorority members have things locked up within CPS on the South Side is terrible. The AKAs are the worst by far!! They act like thugs and hoodlums with their tactics. Intimidation is commonplace and when all else fails, many of these women will act like all out thugs with their cursing and what have you. The AKA network is VERY deep on the South Side and there is really no where you can turn when you try to complain because each level you go to..there will be an AKA and they sure will back up or cover up a situation for their soror. Many of these women are man-less and they are probably not very happy with their life..which is why so many act the way they do.
Sue said:
Plenty of AKAs in CPS
Current AIO - Denise Little
Current MSD - Wanda Washington
Current Principals - Shirley Ewing,Debbie Bonner, Debra Crump...
Since AKA is an Education based Sorority, many teachers are also members.
NBCT and AKA said:
People are promoted over more deserving people all the time -- it happens in business. It is not fair, but life seldom is. I have three master's degrees, one in administration, and am Nationally Board Certified. I have yet to have my pearls advance me anywhere my education and experience cannot take me. I know my ships and sorors have also worked hard for their accomplishments. I have not had your experiences with AKAs so I will not diminish them by saying they do not exist. However, I am wary to ever categorically stereotype any negative experiences with so-called bullies else be no better than the bigots who lump me in with every African American criminal act flashed on the news. I think it's more important to redirect our focus, for the sake of our profession--tons of highly qualified and capable people are losing their jobs in CPS due to short-sighted agendas, charter bias, and good old fashioned downsizing. Where are our advocates? The AIO saga is old news as all have been summarily dismissed. It won't be long before all of us are affected by organizations who recruit outside of Illinois and outside of education to "reform education". As we speak, the Mayor is planning to add furlough days and as usual, Marilynn Stewart sits silently somewhere out there. Wherefore does our help come? Not from petty infighting, conspiracy mongering, and rehashing of ancient wounds. Now is the time to unite, which means lay blame where blame is due, but be careful where you use your brush. The person/people you write off might be the one person you need in your corner.
SurpriseSurprise said:
congratulations to the woman who filed a law suit against ms. saffold.
i too am a cps consultant/vendor and most of the principals i have done business with treat me very well. things are going fine unless ms saffold gets involved to slam the doors shut, fast and in a hurry.
the thing is that saffold, for those of you not familliar with cps schools, oversees a MULTITUDE of cps schools. so you can have a good relationship already formed with a principal at one school, but if saffold gets involved, you know the business will be terminated immediately.
i knew that this happened to me on a smaller scale, compared to the plaintif, but apparently, there is a pattern.
that's why this thing is so unfair, and that is why this woman (the plaintif) is so courageous to stand up to saffold and sue her.
i bet most consultants/vendors willingly pay the money when confronted with the loss of income the plaintif alleges occured as a result of the lost consulting businesses she had. but knowing ms saffold as i do, sometimes, even if you ARE WILLING to pay, the requests (favors) are so unreasonable, that you just can't do it and turn a profit.
i'm just glad -- AND SURPRISED -- that this has come out.
ms. saffold, regardless of the outcome of this suit, you should REALLY be ashamed of yourself.
ms. saffold -- stay in yur office, do your job and stop trying to trip up sisters (regardless of what sorority they are in) who won't take care of you -- or hook you up.
quit trying to hold back hard working people and let everyone willing to work make their own money and keep it.
(i read a while ago on the Internet that you earn over $140,000 a year so stop trying to pull the ladder up after you have climbed it so others can't follow.)
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