Suburban Chicago school board to consider action after video of vice president surfaces

MATTESON - Some parents in Matteson Elementary School District 159 are calling for the removal of the school board’s vice president after newly released video from his past as a police chief shows him striking a man in custody — an incident that later led to a criminal conviction.

What we know:

The controversy centers on Carl Scott Sr., a former Robbins police chief and current vice president of the District 159 school board. Scott, who was elected to the unpaid position last year, is now facing mounting pressure from parents and community members following the release of body camera and interrogation room footage from July 1, 2024.

The video, obtained by FOX Chicago, shows Scott repeatedly slapping, choking, and punching a man who had been taken into custody at the Robbins Police Department. The man was identified as a First Amendment auditor who had entered the police station to record police activity — conduct protected under freedom of the press.

According to the footage, the auditor was detained after refusing to provide identification and placed in an interview room. Video shows Scott, who was police chief at the time, assaulting the man in front of other officers.

Scott later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery, and stepped down as Robbins police chief more than a year ago.

Despite stepping down from law enforcement, Scott remains in a leadership role within the Matteson school district, where he serves a four-year term as vice president of the elected school board. His continued presence sparked outrage among parents late last year, many of whom have voiced their concerns during public comment at recent board meetings.

Parents are demanding accountability, arguing that Scott’s past conduct is incompatible with overseeing a school district responsible for educating and protecting children.

"I don’t feel comfortable knowing someone with that history is helping make decisions for our kids," one community person said during public comment back in December 2025.

Resolution on removal:

Questions remain about how — or if — Scott can be removed from an elected position. Illinois law provides limited options for removing elected officials, but the school board is now taking formal steps to address the issue.

Board President Sharee Morton confirmed that the district’s attorney has prepared resolutions regarding Scott’s status, which will be presented during the next school board meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

In a written statement, Morton acknowledged the intense response from the community.

"Our attorney has prepared resolutions regarding the status of Carl Scott Sr., and these resolutions will be included in this week's agenda for discussion," Morton wrote. "We understand the significance of transparency in this matter, and we appreciate your commitment to proper governance."

Morton also revealed that the controversy has led to an overwhelming influx of emails and communication directed at the board — and that she herself has faced threats.

"I personally have faced threats in connection with these discussions, despite it not being directly my matter," Morton said. "We are taking these concerns seriously and will address them appropriately during the meeting."

Community reaction:

Scott, a retired federal agent, has not publicly commented on the calls for his removal. Meanwhile, parents say they plan to continue speaking out until the board takes action.

The issue has intensified conversations around accountability, transparency, and the standards expected of those serving in elected positions within school districts.

The resolution regarding Scott’s status is expected to be formally introduced and discussed during Wednesday’s meeting, where public comment is anticipated to be heavy.