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Parents and LSC chair press Chicago Board to remove Inter American Magnet School principal
Summary
Parents and Dr. Julie Wexler, chair of the Inter American Magnet School LSC, urged the board to remove or place on leave Principal Juan Carlos Zayas, citing alleged budget violations, safety-reporting lapses and retaliation; speakers said district oversight had not resolved concerns.
Multiple parents and the Local School Council chair for Inter American Magnet School used public participation time on Nov. 10 to press the Chicago Board of Education to remove the school's principal amid safety and governance complaints.
"We have urged you to remove him so that students are not subjected to continued poor leadership," said Maria Luisa Algarte, a parent, who told the board the principal had not met with the sanctuary team and had ignored district directives. She said the network chief confirmed that communications had been provided to the principal but not shared with families.
Dr. Julie Wexler, chair of the Inter American LSC, said the council approved charges to remove Principal Juan Carlos Zayas more than a year ago and alleged that in 2024 he implemented a budget different from the one the LSC had voted on, which she said violated his contract and Illinois law. Wexler also cited safety concerns, alleged failures to report incidents to DCFS and staff reassignments she described as retaliatory.
"I'm all for due process, but I'm also for protecting our kids," Wexler said, asking the board to place the principal on leave and to update parents and staff about any formal investigation.
Speakers used different spellings when referring to the principal during public comment; the LSC chair referred to him as "Juan Carlos Zayas." The transcript records no immediate board decision; public participation concluded and the board then recessed and moved into closed session.
The record reflects parents' calls for personnel action and better communication but does not show the board taking a public personnel vote or announcing a specific disciplinary outcome during this meeting.
