School district says man arrested in New Baden volunteered in after-school programs
NEW BADEN — A man whose recent arrest in New Baden prompted a notification to East St. Louis School District 189 families previously volunteered in after-school programs at several district schools, according to a statement released Wednesday by district officials.
School District 189 posted a message on its public social media to families Wednesday afternoon stating it had recently been notified of the arrest of Chad D. Gray Jr. in Clinton County by one of its partner organizations, Go International.
According to the district, Gray faces charges that reportedly include traveling to meet a child, grooming, indecent solicitation of a child and solicitation to meet a child.
The district emphasized that Gray was not employed by School District 189. Instead, he served as a volunteer through Go International, where he provided financial literacy instruction as part of after-school programming.
District officials said Gray volunteered from February 2024 through May 2025 through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, working at Mason/Clark Middle School and Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence. The district also reported he occasionally filled in at Dr. Katie Harper Wright School.
The statement said Gray later provided services through the Community Schools program at Officer Elementary School from June 2025 through Feb. 5, 2026.
According to the district, Gray completed all required human resources screening procedures before serving in schools, including state and federal criminal background checks. School officials also said he recently completed background screening requirements through the Regional Office of Education.
District administrators said representatives of Go International informed them that organization policy prohibits staff and volunteers from being alone with students. The district said Gray was paired with another teacher or adult during program activities.
Officer Elementary administrators further reported that Gray was supervised by a certified teacher or paraprofessional while on campus and remained in areas monitored by security cameras.
School District 189 said its Human Resources Department is working with principals and staff members to investigate the matter. As of Wednesday, district officials said they had received no information indicating any District 189 students were involved in the alleged conduct.
“The District remains committed to student safety and will continue to monitor the situation in consultation with legal counsel and relevant authorities,” Superintendent Arthur Culver wrote in the statement.
The district encouraged anyone with information relevant to the matter to contact school administrators or the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Child Abuse Hotline.
Additional information regarding the arrest was not immediately available Wednesday evening.
