To many, the Chicago River is a tourist
attraction that draws them when it’s dyed green on St. Patrick’s Day or to
make note of the fact that it flows backward from its original mouth at Lake Michigan. But for
the family and friends of Michael Scott, 60, it’s a source of pain. They will forever
be reminded that this gift from nature is where their loved one was found dead
of a self-inflicted, gunshot wound to the head on Monday, Nov. 16. Scott was
found floating on the banks of the river a day after he disappeared from his home.
Chicago residents’ burdens are heavy. The city has been the subject of constant media attention with its rising teen murder toll. The notorious cell phone recorded video footage of the brutal beating of Derrion Albert went viral. According to Rev. Jesse Jackson, Scott
continued to deal with the sting of Albert’s tragic death.
The spotlight continues to point at the Windy City as it prepares to lay the handsome, blue-eyed leader to rest. Scott, who was president of the Chicago Board of Education, was found dead on the eve of an event to recognize his accomplishments. On Tuesday, Nov. 17, he was to have been honored at the University of Chicago for his commitment to end the violence in Chicago Public Schools.
In a written press statement, the Honorable Dorothy Brown, clerk
of the Circuit Court of Cook County shared, “I am greatly saddened to learn of the sudden
and untimely death of Michael Scott. My heartfelt prayers go out to
his wife Diana, his children and other family members, close friends and
associates. Michael was a dedicated public servant who spent many years of
his professional life working for the betterment of the City of Chicago, in
general, and, especially, the North Lawndale community. It was evident that his
greatest commitment was to the education of our city’s youth through his active
involvement on the Chicago Board of Education, first as a board member in 1980,
and then during his terms as president from 2001 to 2006, and most recently
from February 2009 to present. Michael was a concerned administrator
who used innovative programs to increase parental involvement, raise test
scores and improve school attendance. He was truly a man of vision and compassion
and his presence will be missed immensely by our city. We have lost a great
man.” 
Scott had been appointed to the Chicago Board of
Education three times, twice as president. He was most recently was appointed in
February 2009. Previously, Scott served as board president for five years, until July
2006. During his tenure, Scott actively
involved parents in the education process, and the Chicago Public Schools have markedly increased attendance, funding and overall rating nationwide as a school
district. –yvette caslin
