State records show that the former Illinois education superintendent left the position earlier this year with nearly $207,000 in severance and unused vacation payments. A public records request shows Christopher Koch received $89,000 in severance and $118,0 for 138.5 unused vacation days. Records also show that several dozen other Illinois State Board of Education staffers who left the agency also received cash bonuses and unused vacation payments.
Koch had the job for more than eight years under Democratic administrations. He left the position in May after GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner started his term and recommended new superintendent Tony Smith for the job.
The Chicago Tribune reports lawmakers have questioned Koch's severance.
Neither the board nor Koch immediately responded to calls or emails requesting comment.
