CHICAGO — The Chicago school board is suing a teacher, alleging she owes $18,000 after leading a yoga retreat in Nicaragua while on disability leave.
The Chicago Board of Education filed a complaint on Feb. 1 in Cook County Circuit Court against Isaly Acevedo, alleging she unlawfully received and retained public funds.
According to the complaint, while defendant was employed as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools, she was also operating her own business as a yoga instructor without approval from the board. Subsequently, defendant allegedly filed for short-term disability leave and received $18,333 in disability payments while allegedly leading a yoga retreat to Nicaragua from April 10-14, 2017. Upon discovery of defendant's alleged fraudulent conduct, the board claims it made a good faith effort to recover the wrongfully obtained public funds.
The board requests a trial by jury and seeks at least $18,333, plus costs of action, attorney fees, interest and further relief. They are represented by attorney Kevin P. Kelley in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court Case No. 19-L-1090.