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3K views23 pagesEric Skalinder CPS Investigative Report #7820 Redacted Aug 15 2016
Eric Skalinder Sexual Harassment Investigation Report all 21 allegations were found to to have credible evidence to support findgs that he had inappropriate contact and commincations with students and some kind of relationship with one students mother. Report was obtained through - CPS FOIA Reference No. N010834-041122
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
3K views23 pagesEric Skalinder CPS Investigative Report #7820 Redacted Aug 15 2016
Eric Skalinder Sexual Harassment Investigation Report all 21 allegations were found to to have credible evidence to support findgs that he had inappropriate contact and commincations with students and some kind of relationship with one students mother. Report was obtained through - CPS FOIA Reference No. N010834-041122
Uploaded by
John KuglerCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
/ 23
Chicage
$ Public
Schools
INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
File Number: 7820
Date: August 15, 2016
To: James Ciesil
From: Jose Reyes
Subject: Eric Skalinder
Type of Incident: Sexual Harassment
School: ‘Thomas Kelly High School
Network: ost
On Tuesday, January 19, 2016, Mr. Jose Reyes, the Reporting Investigator (R/1),
was assigned to investigate an allegation of sexual harassment against Mr. Eric
Skalinder, — a teacher assigned to Thomas Kelly High School (Kelly High
School),
According to Event Detail Report number 1284580, submitted on Tuesday,
January 19, 2016, by Mr. James Coughlin, the principal, on Monday, January 18, 2016, a
parent informed Mr. Coughlin that a teacher was having inappropriate conversations
with [EM outside of the school settings.
notified of the
On Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at 12:50 p.m, the R/I contacted Mr. Coughlin,
reaching him at 773/535-4900. Mr. Coughlin stated on Monday January 18, 2016, he was
told by a teacher assigned to the school, that Mr.
Skalinder had been dri
a
\d was having inappropriate conversations with
HB Mr. Coughlin statec ransferred to Kelly High School during the 2014-2015
school year. Mr. Coughlin stated Mr. Skalinder is a music teacher and the chorus
instructor. Mr, Coughlin stated that school policy dictates that written permission be on
file with the school for a teacher to give a student a ride, and no such paperwork w.
submitted. Mr, Coughlin stated he was not aware that Mr. Skalinder was giving [i
rides home until Monday, January 18, 2016, Mr. Coughlin stated that he did. not recall
the exact words that said Mr. Skalinder used during the inappropriate
conversations. Mr. Coughlin stated 1as not been to school for several days and
1. Coughlin stated [I first notified Investigative Report - Thomas Kelly High School
Page2
Mr, Richter, about the allegations on Friday, January 15, 2016. Mr. Coughlin stated [il
HE 1c him ‘no currently| jso he did not
interview INNA copy of a statement submitied by Mr. Coughlin regarding his
conversation with [EEE s included with this report as Attachment A.
On that same date, at 1:30 p.m., the R/I contacted
HER ¢0 request permission to interview]
that the R/T come to fresidence for the interviews.
(On Thursday, January 21, 2016, the R/1 proceeded to [EEE home, located
MMMMBMADIII con oct cr slovcs mn tartrorance ofthis vostpeton
On that same date, at 10:35 a.m, view of
stated Kelly High School
and has worked there since
Kelly High School aba
both involved with|
slated thatin the 2014-15 school year,
transferred to Kelly High School for EEE ear because of
also felt that Kelly High School would be a better environment for
Sd Boul be closer to stated that when [i
transferred to Kelly High all joined ‘hich required] to stay after
school frequently for practice. stated sometime after Christmas break of the
2014-15 school year, Mr. Skalinder offered to drive [ll home a‘ter|
ad I oreo MER tote! initially Mr, Sualincer only drove
home occasionally, but as tim, from school several
times a week, especially wr had to practice on a
Saturday or during school breal
Mr. Skalinder_was driving
because of Il fe
stated [land
Filet: 7820
i
| Investigative Report ~ Thomas Kelly High School
Page 3
since he was aware of jand was a
trusted friend and colleague. ‘stated Mr. Sk der would come to their home.
a
and bring school work to
stated that on Tucsday, January 12, 2016,|
MlMend Mr. Skalinder had been having inappropriate conversations and interactions
ptated ——
[thailand Mr. Skalinder would flirt with each other and would have
inappropriate conversations with each other, tated that IE said [Fold
Mr. Skalinder that had feclings for him and he told [that “| was very perceptive.”
RE sted MI told MM that even some of the other students would tell
ME that Mr. Skalinder was showing interest in]. IEEE stated that Jy
said [would ask Mr. Skalinder to call and make up some excuse for
Bo stay after school! so llcould ride home with him, and Mr. Skalinder would.
ME stated that on a previous occasion HEE mentioned to
Skalinder said he was dating several women at the same time. HIME stated I
thought that was an_unusual conversation for a teacher to have with a student. Il
ME stated HB told MlMthat curing class Mr. Skalinder told everyone he was
dating a former student from Kelly High School, MIE stated after IE
disclosed MMM relationship with Mr, Skalinder, IEEE stopped _all further
communication with him and notified the school adminisization
ler knew of
HEB sated Ms very concerned about ‘over the students
and staff at school finding out about this.
A copy of a written statement submitted
by EBB s included with this report as Attachment B.
of
On that same date, at 11:25 am, the R/I conducted an interview
[EB with the permission and in the presgpg:
HB -ansferred to Kelly High School for|
=e: Mr. Skalinder and he invite ok
stated [lfwould sce Mr. Skalinder during school and after school for ractice
ry ted Mr. Skalinder was very friendly with[fend gavel ots of attention.
tated Mr. Skglipder began giving Illa ride home from time to time with ill
HEE cxiission. stated when Mifirst joined EMr. Skalinder wrote
his cellular phone number on the board, and told everyone that they could contact him
if they needed to. IEEE stated sometime around August 2014 [began texting with
index, but those texts did ngt become personal or social until thespying of 2015,
ae they would talk abound about social cos lS after
File#: 7820
| Investigative Report ~ Thomas Kelly High School
Page 4
a while they would be texting sometimes until midnight, about relationships and social
things. an: even some of the other students would telllfthat Mr. Skalinder
was “checking Ml out.” [BE stated during the 2015-16 school year, during class or
practice, or if was talking to him in the hallway, [would catch Mr.
Skalinder looking atllMbody and face and he would kind of flirt with ii
stated Mr. Skalinder was going to record some of the students singing at schoo IE
stated Mr. Skalinder told mg: probably do that recording at his house. i
id mention that to] other. EEE stated [did not go to his home to
ause Mr. Skalinder said his equipment was damaged by water in
stated during the 2015-16 school year, another student, whom Iii
in written statement, confided ‘A cso had a crush on
Mr. Skalinder. [tated that the student's name is not really “| but did not
want to give the real name to the R/I at this time. IEEEEtated| id EY would
talk about Mr. Skalinder and they both thought that Ms. Skalinder was flirting with
them. IIE stated sometimes when Mr. Skalinder was standing next toll or talkin,
toll he would purposely bumpIiifarm or touch [fon the shoulder or back, P|
stated “GE would tell that Mr. Skalinder could not keep his eyes off J
stated during a ride home this school year from Mr, Skalinder, Illltold Mr.
Skalinder that and another student had a crush on him, ated Mr, Skalinder
just stated “oh ok”. [REBEEEEstatec J told Mr. Skalinder that [rnd the other student
would talk about remarks Mr. Skalinder made to them and they felt that he was flirting
back with them EE stated [told Mr. Skalinder that he was probably just being
normal and they were over exaggerating things. [NBM stated Mr, Skalinder
responded, “Or maybe you're just being perceptive about things around you, you know that |
can’t say or do anything explicitly and that T wouldn’t do anything to risk my job, not only my
job but my entire career as a teacher.”
EBB tated this schoot year Mr, Skalinder give [le ride home in his car and
sometimes on_his motorcycle. jstated after he took home once on the
motorcycle rom plained aboutllfhair after taking off the helmet. [BBtated Mr.
Skalinder said curly hair is great because you could just shake it out and it will look
great, then Mr, Skalinder added, “In fact I think that’s reall ° BB iste another
student told lthat Mr. Skalinder is flirty with a lot oa would not name
that other student IE stated Mr. Skalinder would Le to so J could
stay late at school and get a ride home from him. stated one time [i told I
a: getting out at 5:00 , but Ml actually got out at 3:30 p.m.
stated [told Mr. Skalinder that ll would rather ride home with him than call
HR «1 t0 come pick [up. stated Mr. Skalinder told [I that would be
‘okay because he had to run some errands and he would get home at the timell
MEE pected. BBB stated Mr. Skalinder would touch fijjon ‘al arm and
make it feel like it was something special_they were sharing stated Mr.
Skalinder did not ever touch sexually. IIIMMBtated Mr, Skalinder lien
WliBand the class about his relationships and about some of his personal life.
stated Mr. Skalinder talked about dating multiple women at the same time and how
Filet: 7820 Investigative Report ~ Thomas Kelly High School
Page 5
that was not ni MB ole Mr. Skalinder thailfhad mentioned this
to En hought that these were things he should not be talking
about with students {MEstated Mr. Skalinder appeared upset and said he thought
Milwas taking things out of context and that is not have all the
information. Mr. Skalinder told Ill he would not have engaged in that conversation
with his students, if he thought they were uncomfortable about it and would go and tell
their parents. [BBM stated Mr. Skalinder told Mlllabout a former student who
got ago that contacted him on Tinder and wanted to get together with
him. stated found out that Tinder is an adult dating site and texted Mr.
Seating he knows exactly what to expect when he meets with that_former
student, stated Mr. Skalinder responded "LOL, maybe, we'll sec.” [BEE stated
that in the 2015-16 school year, on the Friday before winter break, Mr. Skalinder told
there were some things he wanted to talk to ffabout in person and he would give I
a ride home [stated she told Mr. Skalinder that [EEEEEEwas cranky and just
wanted to leave the school as Soon as IEE was done IEEE stated [buggested to
Mr, Skalinder that he make up some work for [Fo “y Mr. Skalinder could tell
a: peeded to stay, than he could driv: ome. stated Mr.
Skalinder stated “ok.” stated in mid-December 2015,
old Mr. Skalinder that
[liad gone on Tinder and found his profile. III stated aes Mr. Skalinder
that a Jot of creepy [bomething year olds were contacting lend wanting to meet
with state (old Mr. Skalinder that Ilinally admitted to one man on
Tinder that vasfflears old and was about to turn] cc the man texted
Ho call him when turned [ IIE stated Mr. Skalinder responded by sayin;
“Dibs,” EEE stated MMM ooked at Skalinder and said “Oh ny god Skalinder.” =
stated when Mr. Skalinder said “dibs” [began to realize that he wanted to further
their relationship after[Iilturned [Ml and was Jike all of these older men on Tinder
trying to meet young iI istated after thatllelt sick and did not want to
see or speak to Mr. Skalinder. tated the thought of going to school gavel
=a ie told ao
relatlonsmip W Skalinder. stated MM wrote a statement with this
information but made up fictitious names for the other students in the statement
because Idid not know how they would react to being questioned by the R/I. A copy
off latement is included with this report as Attachment C.
The R/I conferred with Mr, Scott Nelson, the Manager of Investigations for the
Law Department of Chicago Public Schools (CPS), regarding BEE ccc that
interviewing other staff or students at Kelly High School could cause additional stress
mn FEE: was decided that the R/I would not conduct interviews at the
schoo) Jwas in agreement.
The R/T was contacted by Mr. Coughlin on Monday, February 1, 2016, at 12:30
p.m, via telephone number 773/535-4900, and informed that
es
Kelly High School, had come to his office on Monday, February 1, 2016,
File#: 7820 Investigative Report - Thomas Kelly High School
Page6
asking for a schedule change from Mr. Skalinder’s class, Mz. Coughlin stated they
mentioned some conversations that were similar to what RRREEE2id Mr. Skalinder
had with [BDA copy of a statement submitted by Mr. Coughlin regarding the
information that both students related to him is included with this report as Attachment
D.
On Friday, February 12, 2016, at 4:30 p.m., the R/Lwas contacted by J!
via telephone number and informed thatffother IlMstudents had
come forward with the same type of allegations against Mr. Skalinder, and yet he is still
at the school teaching. The R/T stated he would speak to his supervisor and re-contact
On Wednesday, February 17, 2016 the R/Isent an e-mail tol asking
Hl svhat bad changed in the investigation thatlllf wanted the R/I to interview these
other students since doing so could possibly cause lm ore stress|
eplied that at the time| was unsure of hovdilFlassmates would feel if
interviewed, but_now [MMhas found comfort in speaking out and now has
discovered that [is not alone in this kind of experience. A copy of this e-mail
conversation is included with this report as Attachment F.
The R/I was directed by Mr. Nelson to conduct an interview of the ffadditional
students.
On Thursday, February 18, 2016, the R/I proceeded to Kelly High School to
conduct interviews in furtherance of this investigation.
(On that same date, at 12:42 p.m,, the R/T conducted an interview of Mr James
Coughlin, Mr. Coughlin stated that on Monday, February 1, 2016, =.
came to his office and requested a program change from Mr. Skalinder’s
class because they felt uncomfortable with Mr. Skalinder talking about his love life and
about dating a former student. Mr. Coughlin stated ee felt that
Mr. Skalinder was inappropriate once when Iivas crying and he touched [Ms
Coughlin stated he asked I it was sexual and| said “no.” Mr, Coughlin
stated [IBEBMMbaid that Mr. Skalinder noticed scars o leg and said “I think scars are
sexy.” Mr. Coughlin stated that both] stated Mr. Skalinder will ask for hugs and
“check them out.” Mr. Coughlin stated a
teacher might have some information for the R/T.
On that same date, at 12:35.p.m., the R/I conducted an interview of|
stated Is 0 teacher andfibifice is in the
the 2015-16 school year, would come tositin fice
sometimes when could calm down. =
stated after January 2016, it inf office for a period,
PR 2c o BR woutc write Letters to [I whom ff dic not know.
File#t: 7820
HE s 6c durin Investigative Report - Thomas Kelly High School
Page?
MMM tcc MII cs gota guieption trom males and made comments
about flirting with a new icher] biated that IEEE new that
Mr. Skalinder was driving| home. tated thatllllcame to Kelly
High school for the 2014-15 school year.
m., the R/T conducted an interview of II
parents and in the presence of Mr. Coughlin.
lat Kelly High School andiiffhad Mr. Skalinder asf
year and he has been| teaches the last
right
lotof
On that same date, at 1:15
with the permission of
tated is
teacher durin;
several yea
away during|
attention and compliments.
was performing in a musical called “Back to the 80's and me jerformance, Mr.
Skalinder came up to fhnd whispered “You were fucking amazing.” ME tated
Mr. Skalinder would talk tolfhbout things and would ask forffJ opinion on things.
stated during lass, Mr. Skalinder would tell the entire class about his
‘personal life and his love life, and would ask or a few of the other [students for a
hug. BBB tated this schoo! year [was upset and crying about something and
Mr, Skalinder gavelfp hug and started rabeinal ‘x and head. comm ae
that also this school year, during] practice, Mr. Skalinder was looking at dy
and pointed out taf tha¢| vas wearing a see-thru shirt and said “you know boys.”
ae he is always touching people or gets into a person's personal space
when he talks to them, stated [llthought it was strange that he did that but
MiB aic not report it. in January 2016, during class, aljbtudent
asked him about his girlfrien [stated Mr. Skalinder said they were
not a anymore rated someone asked Mr. Skalinder who he was
tated Mr. Skalinder said “A[jwho ts a former student and goes to
— stated that got thinking about some of the things he would do
or say to| stated afterffheard the things that happened to [JS I
began feeling uncomfortable with Mr. Sxalinder 80 fland a... to talk to Mr.
Coughlin about it. BEEBE stated never go! a ride from Mr. Skalinder and he
never said anything or did anything sexual to ill MEE ated wrote down
some of these things in fournal. A copy of that statement is included with this report
as Attachment F.
On that ona date, at 145 p.m,, the R/T conducted an intery ‘a
wit tc consent ofparent: i in the presence of Mr. Coughlin! tated
a High Schoo! {BEE stated I developed a close relationship with
ree 2 because he was always talking to fi about personal
things and giving] ompliments. EEE stated since [first met Mr, Skalinder,
during ractice or class, he would ask for a hug by saying “I need « [pus.”
[stated Mr. Skalinder often gets into people's personal space and stands very
close to them, INE tated Mr. Skalinder would look alllbody up and down when
Hi wore shorts, crop. top, or skirts, and would follow up with a compliment. [EE
Filet: 7820 Investigative Report - Thomas Kelly High School
Page 8
stated Mr. Skalinder talks about his personal life and about his dating stated in
January 2016, during class, ogg the filstudents asked Mr, Skalinder how his,
relationship with his gicléiend ll wes. tated M io that he
was going on a date with a former student who was now at|
stated sometimes Illwould be talking to Mr. Skalindey in his office about
that on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, I was talking to him in his office and
shorts] [stated there were no other students present and Mr. Skalinder asked II
about
stated Mr. Skalinder said he had a girlfriend
ind added “Scars are sexy.” [BEEBE stated when Mr. Skalinder talks to ‘people he
‘will get close like he is telling them a secret and will rub their neck Bsc Mr.
Skalinder has never touched [in a sexual way. [RBBB stated Ml wrote some of
these things down infjfjournal. Copies of those stafements are included with this
report as Attachment
On Monday, February 22, 2016, at 9:35 a.m, the R/T conducted an interview of
Mr. Eric Skalinder, at 1 North Dearborn Street, Suite 900. The R/T was assisted by Ms.
Kathleen Kain, a lead investigator for the Chicago Public School's Law Department.
Mr, Skalinder was given a Notice of Administrative Rights Form. The notice was signed
by Mr. Skalinder along with the R/I and Investigator Kain. A copy of
included with this report as Attachment H. Mr. Skalinder stated he lives
Mr. Skalinder stated his cellular telephone number i
kalinder stated he iE ond has been a music teacher at Kelly High
School for 12 years. Mr, Skalinder stated he teaches choir imately 35
45 students per class. Mr. Skalinder stat as been in| for the tast
Mr Skalinder stated his previoug [vas Will fnamed|
Mr. Skalinder stated fmet some of the students when
accompanied him ta school performance, The R/ I asked Mr. Skalinder if he gives any
students rides home from school in his vehicle. Mr. Skalinder stated he has driven
to and from school with]
and last spring, Mr. Sk
and participated in th
jafter school. Mr. Skalinder stated|
‘oversees, Mr. Skalinder stated]
Ms. Skalinder said [I has talked to him about a
previous school
relationship with
Mr. Skalinder stated this school year during class, he did discuss some of his
relationships w nd other students at th alinder stated they
asked if he was nd he w: The students asked
why and he told them about hi Mr. Skalinder stated after the
2015 Christmas break, during class 7
Skalinder stated he mentioned he was
did not give any details about it. Mr. Skalinder stated he did dis
Files: 7820
uss with Investigative Report - Thomas Kelly High School
Page 9
a: he may do some recordings of EEE singing his home. Mr. Skalinder
stated Jdid not do any recording at his home. Mr, Skalinder stated the only time
vas at his home was for a party for the The students, along with
their parents, and some staff were invited. Mr. Skalinder was asked if flirted
with him. Mr. Skalinder stated “Yes [ would say that.” Mr. Skalinder stated during the
2015-16 school_year, made several comments about having a crush on [I
another staff member at the school. Mr. Skalinder
—_ said J was in love with him and Mr. Skalinder stated he spoke to
‘bout it not being appropriate. Mr. Skalinder was asked exactly whi id to
HR 1c when. Mr. Skalinder stated “I don’t recall.” Mr. Skalinder stated was
not explicit about it. Mr. Skalinder was asked by the R/T if he reported this to I
HEE: the school administration. Mr. Skalinder stated he did not. The R/1 asked Mr,
Skalinder if [psked him about going on a date with someone he met on the
Tinder website, Mr. Skalinder stated that lid anc JJ got more personal and asked
him what he was expecting on the date. The R/T asked Mr. Skalinder what did he think
HBB neant by that. Mr. Skalinder siated that he thought Iwas asking him what
yhysical interaction he would have during that date. Mr. Skafinder stated he told
MRM ost vicy were not going to tall about it Mr. Skalindez ted EEE sked him
if he had ever been interested in a student and he told [ll “Absolutely not.” Mr.
Skalinder stated he may have said something like “We can't discuss things explicitly
because 1 would not risk wy iobegs a teacher.” Mr. Skalinder stated he did not have
ceaporoprnte tin lll
he R/I_ asked Mr. Skalinder ed im_the information
about [Mr. Skalinder
stated “yes.” The R/T asked Mr. Skalinder the content of the conversation with
about the Tinder website. Mr. Skalinder stated A MMMhad gone on the Tinder
website and found his profile. Mr. Skalinder stated said [was talking to]
on the Tinder website and planned to meet dM. Skalinder stated he believed that
Jinder had an 18 years of age or older joining policy. Mr. Skalinder stated he told
it was not safe to go meet someone and hide [foge. The R/I asked Mr.
Skalinder whom did he notify about lansing to meet alfJon the Tinder
website. Mr. Skalinder stated he clid not notify anyone, but again stated that he told [i
it was not safe and fi should not do that. The R/I asked Mr. Skalinder if he notified
is colleague and friend, Mr. Skalinder stated he did not. The R/I asked Mr.
Skalinder if he notified the school administration. Mr. Skalinder stated he did not. The
R/Lasked Mr. Skalinder to explain a conversation he had with vhen Mtoid
him that a fon Tinder totd| —_. call him when| med fifyears old and Mr.
Skalinder said “Dibs.” Mr. Skalinder stated he and| talked about how lleets
interest from] t the school and people on Tinder and hovfbwill always be
interested in 1, Skalinder stated it was not his intent when he said “Dibs” that he
swanted his chance atl Mr. Skalinder stated he did not recall saying “Dibs” to
Mr. Skalinder stated to him ’ Dibs” is in reference to saving a space on the street.
Mr. Skalinder stated he did not tell anyone about) going on Tinder because he
File#: 7820 Investigative Report - Thomas Kelly High School
Page 10
told Mlhot to and tated “Ok 7 won't go.” Mr. Skalinder stated he drove EE
home from school in his personal car and his motorcycle. Mr. Skalinder stated he had
permission to drive [lf The R/I asked Mr. Skalinder if the school
administration had knowledge or had given him permission, Mr, Skalinder stated he
thought they were aware and he thinks at one point he told Mr. Richter or Mr. Rav
Magdaleno, both assistant principals at the school, that he was dr home.
The R/I asked Mr. Skalinder about physical contact he has with his students. Mr.
Skalinder stated the students give him hugs. The R/I asked Mr. Skalinder if he asked
for hugs. Mr. Skalinder stated “ don 1 hugs.” The R/T asked if Mr. Skalinder
would say to SI 1 reed a] tated “It's possible I
said that, yeain | guess, [do that with lots o ia The R/T asked Mr.
Skalinder if he was taught this in any CPS training. Mr. Skalinder stated he was not
{aught this and he does not know the school policy on physical contact with students
because it has never been addressed and there has been no information or training from
the principal. Mr. Skalinder stated a staff member hugging a student is not uncommon.
The R/T asked Mr. Skalinder if he recalled seeing| nd having a
conversation about it. Mr. Skalinder stated yes he does recall talking with about
ERE Mr. Skalinder stated he did not recall where they were and he thought
this happened last school year. Mr. Skalinder ate MN ves really upset and
stressed out more than usual. [was crying and mentioned| [The R/T
asked Mr. Skalinder if it was true "ha was wearing shorts and Mr. Skelinder
noticed| Jand made a comment tofJ Mr. Skalinder stated
he thought the Mr. Skelinder stated it is more common that
people do that to their arms. Mi der stated he did not recall the details because
he hi ly 20 or more students who have talked to him about
RM The R/T asked for the names of the students. Mr. Skalinder stated “T don’t
know, it's been over the years.” Mg, Skalinder stated he does not remember how it came
up. Mr. Skalinder stated he told ibout having a| vith the same issue
and previously dating Mr, Skatinder stated he and|
talked about geiting| at Kelly High School. The R/I asked Mr.
if he told that scars are sexy. Mr. Skalinder stated “I don’t recall ever
don’t know if I said that.” ‘The R/T asked Mr. Skalinder if he notified
the school administration about IEEE Mr. Skolinder stated h
notify the parent or the school administration. Mr. Skalinder stated he may have written
ame on a piece of paper and dropped it in a box for the counselor at the school.
The R/T asked Mr. Skalinder what is the schoo! policy for this situation. Mr. Skalinder
stated “There is none but this is what we do here at the school.” The R/1 asked Mr. Skalinder
why he did not notify the school administration. Mr. Skalinder stated he docs not know
if he talked to[EMcounselor about it. Mr. Skalinder stated he thinks Foe
him that [Founselor knew about it
al
File#: 7820 Investigative Report ~ Thomas Kelly High School
Page 11
‘The R/I asked Mr. Skalinder if he recalled saying to [EEE “You were
fucking phenomenal” after I performing in a show called “Back to the 80's.” Mr.
‘Skalinder stated he will not approach students during their performance or while that
are onstage. Mr. Skalinder stated he will talk to his students while they are warming up.
Mr. Skalinder stated he does not recall if [EEE was in that show because he wasn't
involved with it, Mr. Skalinder stated he did go to see one offfperformances for that
show and may have told lllsomething to that effect, but he does not think he would
have cursed, Mr. Skalinder stated he has on occasion cursed in front of the students but
tries not to and he would apologize if it did happen. Mr. Skalinder stated he did not tell
his class that he was dating a former student who is in college at| .
Skalinder stated he did mention. going on a date with a former student who isl years
of age that he spoke with on the Tinder website. Mr. Skalinder stated he did mention to
students that he was dating multiple people and would mention their names because
some of the students would ask. The interview was ended at this time due to time
restraints.
On that same date, at 5:55 p.m., the R/I contacted Mr. Richter, reaching him at
The R/I asked Mr. Richter if he had been told by Mr. Skalinder that he
‘was giving Ja ride home. Mr. Richter stated he was never told by Mr. Skalinder
that he was driving austudent home. Mr Richter stated he did not learn that Mr.
Skalinder was driving home until a: him on Friday, January 15,
2016.
On Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 10:50 aim, the R/I contacted Ms. Lisa
Bueciarelli-Carlos, reaching her at 773/535-4900. Ms. Bucciarelli-Carlos stated she is an
assistant principal at Kelly High School, Ms. Bucciarelli-Carlos stated Mr. Skalinder
never told her that he was driving| home from school, but she suspected it
because during the 2015-2016 Christmas Break, she was arriving at the school and saw
Mr. Skalinder and [iiiikogether at the entrance going in to the school at7:00 a.m. Ms.
Bucciarelli-Carlos stated Mr. Coughlin had given Mr. Skalinder permission to record at
the school during the break. Ms. Bucciarelli-Carlos stated when the break ended and
staff returned, she was updating Mr. Coughlin and told him about her suspicion and
Mr. Coughlin stated he did not think so.
On that same date, at 11:20 am, the R/I and Investigator Kain resumed the
interview of Mr. Skalinder at 1 North Dearborn, Suite 900. Mr. Skalinder was given the
Notice of Administrative Rights form he had previously signed. Mr. Skalinder was
asked to review the notice again and place his initials next to the current date that was
added by the R/T Investigator Kain and the R/1 also added their initials. Mr, Skalinder
stated he met ears ago throug! Mr. Skalinder stated
and he talked about} joinin transferred to Kelly High Schoo!
Skalinder stated for him Dut be doe: w) twas.
Mr. Skalinder stated fold him about uring
the fall of 2015. Investigator Kain asked Mr. Skalinder if he offered to bring}
File#: 7820 Investigative Report - Thomas Kelly High School
Page 12
his home to record ffsinging. Mr. Skalinder stated yes because he had equipment at
his home and [ lived nearby so it was convenient. Mr. Skalinder was asked if he
invited any other students from school to record at his home. Mr. Skalinder stated “No”
because no other students live near him. Mr. Skalinder was asked if he knows that for a
fact. Mr Skalinder stated “No.” Mr. Skalinder was asked what conversations he had
with MB about relationships. Mr. Skalinder stated he was advising [lhbout
relationships. ecause oI terest inl Mr. Skalinder was asked if he had
any training in counseling or 3 ork. Mr. Skalinder stated he did not. Mr. Skalinder
was asked why he did not tell anyone aboufflfhaving a crush on him. Mr.
Skalinder stated he told [IEEEEt was inappropriate and may have mentioned his job
security as one reason why they couldn’t tall about a relationship. Mr. Skalinder stated
that they discussed that it couldn’t be talked about and that was it. The R/I asked Mr.
Skalinder if he continued to drive iP fter J told him acrush on him. Mr.
Skalinder stated “Probably.” Mr. Skalinder was asked if he told that he would
not givelllffanymore rides or told Mr. Skalinder stated he did not, but “In
hindsight 1 should have.”
Mr, Skalinder stated he has driven [home on his motorcycle. Mr.
Skalinder stated he provides a helmet and a jacket {orl to wear. Mr. Skalinder
was asked if after driving home on his motorcycle he told Mad "sexy
air,” wher flcommented on having helmet hair. Mr. Skalinder stated he did not say
Mhair was sexy, but rather he reassured]fiithat [hair was “fine,” and just said that
out of courtesy, Mr, Skalinder was asked if got into close proximity of [and
‘unzipped the jacket | = wearing. Mr, Skalinder stated it was a jacket he lento
wear for the ride and he unzipped the jacket because the tab was broken and J
was having trouble unzipping it.
Mr. Skalinder was asked if he made up work foro do to stay after school
and get a ride home from him. kalinder stated he did not make up work for
HR» do and when he spoke to [IIEEEEEBhe was told that [would be going
home with [nyway. Mr. Skalinder was asked how he obtained [EEcellular
phone number. Mr. Skalinder stated Mprobebly gave it to him, he has the cellular
telephone numbers for the| students because sometimes he has to send
them a group text about fr, Okannder stated his cellular telephone number is
[Mr. Skalinder stated he has had that telephone number for many years.
‘Mr, Skalinder was asked what he texted
was about the drama in the|
Skalinder was asked if he texted ily and was it in the morning, evening, or at
schogl, Mr, Skalinder stated "I don’t know, maybe.” Mr. Skalinder stated he would not
text [BBBBBhaity. Mr. Skalinder was asked why would he be texting while at school.
Mr. Skalinder sta ring him documents, or he would be responding to i
text, or about
