Board Candidate Faces 2018 Suspension Records

A letter released on October 30 details a 2018 workplace suspension for a Chicago Public Schools board candidate. The document comes from Noble Network of Charter Schools and addresses Carlos Rivas Jr.

Rivas is running for reelection to District 3b on the school board. He faces challenger Jason Dónes in a race decided by voters on November 3. This election marks the first time all 21 board seats were up for a vote.

The 2018 letter states that Rivas was suspended after an internal investigation. Noble found that he engaged in unwanted physical contact with a coworker. The incident occurred at a work event held at The Robey Chicago hotel in August 2018.

At the time, Rivas served as the alumni support and external affairs manager at UIC College Prep. The investigation concluded that he violated Noble's anti-harassment policy. The letter notes that Rivas was intoxicated to the point where he admitted he could not remember the events of that night.

Noble had previously warned Rivas about drinking at work-related events. The letter describes the suspension as a final opportunity to keep his job. Conditions included a 10-day unpaid suspension. He also agreed to avoid intoxicating substances while working or at work events. He sought counseling through the school's employee assistance program.

Rivas stated that the issue resurfacing so close to the election was disappointing. He noted that the incident happened eight years ago while he cared for his mother. His mother suffered from end-stage renal failure and dementia. Rivas said he accepted responsibility and continued serving at Noble for four more years until 2022.

The Common Ground Collective PAC is spending about $20,000 to support Dónes. This group is backed by the Chicago Teachers Union. They are distributing flyers that cite the 2018 investigation to urge voters to oppose Rivas. Rivas has the support of the SEIU Illinois Council, which represents maintenance and support staff at CPS.

Rivas won his initial seat in 2024 with 54 percent of the vote. He currently works as the director of public affairs for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. Rivas has voted for a fiscally conservative school budget. He was one of six board members who voted against a budget that included uncommitted state revenue.