Forrest Claypool
Forrest Edward Claypool | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1958 Vandalia, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Political figure, attorney |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | CEO of Chicago Public Schools (2015–2017); Superintendent of Chicago Park District (1993–1998); President of Chicago Transit Authority; Chief of Staff to Mayor Rahm Emanuel |
Forrest Edward Claypool is a seasoned American political figure with a broad background in governance across Chicago, Cook County, and the state of Illinois. He held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Chicago Public Schools from July 27, 2015, until December 8, 2017. His career also includes serving as Superintendent of the Chicago Park District from 1993 to 1998, acting as Chief of Staff to Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and presiding over the Chicago Transit Authority. Additionally, Claypool played a significant role on Barack Obama's 2007–2008 campaign media team, working closely alongside political strategist David Axelrod.
Professionally trained as an attorney, Claypool resides in the Lakeview area of Chicago. He has been married twice and is a father to three children.
Education and early career
Born in Vandalia, Illinois in 1958 and raised in nearby St. Elmo, Illinois, Claypool earned his bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University before obtaining his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1981, where he served as law review editor. Following his graduation, he practiced law and held several appointed positions within state and county government, including Deputy Commissioner of the Cook County Board of Appeals and Deputy State Treasurer.
In 1984, Claypool partnered with David Axelrod to establish the political consulting firm Axelrod and Associates (now known as AKPD Message and Media), where he acted as managing partner until 1989. That year, he transitioned to a role within Mayor Richard M. Daley's administration.
Chicago Park District
Claypool was appointed Mayor Daley’s inaugural Chief of Staff in 1989. Four years later, in 1993, Daley selected him to serve as CEO and Superintendent of the Chicago Park District, aiming to resolve financial and operational challenges following the hired truck scandal.
At that time, the Park District operated with a $300 million budget and employed 4,100 full-time workers alongside seasonal staff; however, many essential services were inadequate. Claypool implemented cuts to politically appointed roles and required numerous employees to reapply for their positions. By 1996, full-time staffing had been reduced to 3,000 while service quality reportedly saw improvement.
Facing a $65 million capital improvement liability but possessing only $15 million in cash reserves and having reached its debt limit, the District under Claypool’s leadership streamlined operations and embraced privatization strategies. For instance, in 1993 Kemper Golf Management assumed control of six golf courses and two driving ranges under a contract guaranteeing $250,000 annually plus revenue sharing; this turnaround converted a $530,000 operating loss in 1992 into a $550,000 profit by 1994. The Park District also partially privatized Soldier Field along with its parking facilities; by 1994, Soldier Field generated its first-ever profit under management by the Soldier Field Joint Venture.
Claypool departed from the Park District in 1996 to resume his duties as Daley’s Chief of Staff. Two years later, he directed Daley’s reelection campaign which achieved over 75% support across various voter groups.
Cook County Board
Positioning himself as a reform advocate, Claypool sought election to the Cook County Board in 2002. Running on a platform opposing patronage and bureaucratic inefficiency, he narrowly defeated incumbent Commissioner Ted Lechowicz by a margin of 51–49% in the Democratic primary. Due to the strong Democratic leaning of the 12th district, Claypool encountered little resistance during the general election.
Upon taking office, Claypool quickly formed alliances with fellow reform-oriented Commissioners Larry Suffredin (D), Tony Peraica (R), and newcomer Mike Quigley (D). In December 2003, this coalition succeeded in blocking President John Stroger Jr.'s fiscal year 2004 budget—a first occurrence in thirty years. Stroger acknowledged this political shift by stating, "The media has prevailed, along with Mr. Claypool." The board maintained its opposition by again rejecting Stroger’s proposed tax hikes for FY 2005.
County Board President Election
In December 2005, Claypool declared his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for County Board President, entering the race against the sitting president John Stroger and contender Mike Quigley. Midway through December, Quigley withdrew his candidacy and endorsed Claypool.
By mid-2005, Claypool had amassed over $900,000 in campaign contributions, leading fundraising efforts. He also secured endorsements from prominent publications such as the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and Crain's Chicago Business, along with political endorsements from figures including Representative Rahm Emanuel and Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn. Although Stroger experienced a stroke just prior to the primary election, Claypool was ultimately defeated by him.
After Stroger's primary victory, the Cook County Democratic Party substituted him on the ballot with his son, Todd Stroger, who subsequently prevailed in the general election against Tony Peraica. Claypool chose not to support Todd Stroger and faced criticism from Democratic leaders, including Mayor Daley.
County Assessor Election
On April 6, 2010, Claypool announced his independent candidacy for the position of Cook County Assessor. He successfully qualified for the general election ballot on June 28 by submitting more than three times the number of required signatures. In this race, Claypool competed against Democrat Joseph Berrios, Green Party candidate Robert Grota, and Republican Sharon Strobeck-Eckersall, marking the first time an independent candidate ran for this office. Berrios won with 47.9% of votes cast; Claypool finished second with 31.8%, followed by Strobeck-Eckersall at 17.7%, and Grota at 2.6%.
Post-Electoral Government Roles
On April 19, 2011, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Claypool as president of the Chicago Transit Authority. Later, in April 2015, Claypool assumed the role of Chief of Staff to Mayor Emanuel.
CEO of Chicago Public Schools
Mayor Emanuel announced on July 16, 2015, that Claypool would take on the role of chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools, effective July 27. The appointment received formal approval from the Chicago Board of Education on July 22. Claypool stepped down on December 8, 2017, following allegations from the district’s inspector general that he orchestrated a comprehensive cover-up during an ethics probe involving the school system’s chief legal officer.