Rock Island Today

Francisco Cruz “Keko” Martinez wants to see lawmakers dig deeper into the brewing sexual abuse and assault scandal now gripping the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system.

A recent Chicago Tribune special report uncovered numerous instances where students were found to have been sexually preyed upon by school district employees. A growing number of observers argue that blame for the scandal tracks all the way back to Springfield and the way lawmakers have consistently failed to require any accountability from top CPS officials or the system in any of their dealings.

“Perhaps, but there’s no evidence of that, yet,” Martinez, running as a Republican for Rock Island County Sheriff, told Rock Island Today. “The accountability oversight should come from existing outside agencies.”

Illinois State House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago)

Martinez said he sees some parallels between what’s happening at CPS and in Springfield, with the #Metoo scandal that has recently ensnared at least four close associates of House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) on allegations of sexual harassment.

The latest to go is Tim Mapes, Madigan's longtime chief of staff, who was accused of harassing and bullying fellow organization staffer Sherri Garrett.

“It’s probably a cultural problem that’s due to the #metoo movement,” he said.

Martinez added he stands in full support of House Bill 5914  recently introduced by Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) that would require the Illinois State Board of Education to “be aware of and monitor, the process of each individual background check” conducted by school districts.

The bill also seeks to amend the Freedom of Information Act to the point of allowing school districts to disclose the disciplinary records of district personnel in connection with sexual abuse, while also making the act of an authority figure engaging in a sexual relationship with a student a criminal act, regardless of age.

A retired Marine master gunnery sergeant and decorated Desert Storm war veteran, Martinez lives on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities. He and his wife have four children, Keko II, Beth, Gabe and Ricky.