Waukegan school board defers vote on $90K safety consultant contract renewal

During the recent Operations and Student Achievement Committee meeting held by Waukegan Community Unit School District 60, significant discussions emerged regarding the renewal of a safety and security consultant agreement. The meeting, which took place on April 15, 2025, highlighted concerns about the necessity and financial implications of continuing to engage external consultants for safety training and assessments.

One of the primary voices of concern was board member Miss Hannah, who questioned the redundancy of hiring consultants when the district already employs a safety director capable of performing these tasks. She pointed out that the proposed contract, which amounts to approximately $90,000 annually, could be better utilized by hiring additional safety officers or enhancing training programs internally. Miss Hannah emphasized that the district has been conducting safety drills and training long before the current consultant's involvement, suggesting that the reliance on external expertise may not be justified.

In response, district officials defended the consultant's role, citing the need for ongoing professional development and the importance of having an external perspective on safety protocols. They noted that the consultant has provided valuable training and assessments that have contributed to the district's safety measures. However, board members expressed a desire for more transparency regarding the effectiveness of these services, including data on staff training feedback and the specific benefits derived from the consultant's work.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of safety training within the district. Board members raised concerns about whether the training provided is adequately addressing the needs of all staff, not just those in safety roles. There was a consensus that professional development should be more inclusive and beneficial across the entire district, rather than being limited to specific departments.

As the meeting concluded, several board members suggested postponing the vote on the consultant agreement until more comprehensive data could be presented. This would allow for a more informed decision regarding the future of the district's safety training initiatives. The board plans to revisit the topic in the upcoming meeting, with expectations for detailed reports on the consultant's past contributions and the overall effectiveness of the safety training programs.

The discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing debate within educational institutions about the balance between utilizing external expertise and maximizing the capabilities of existing staff. As Waukegan CUSD 60 navigates these challenges, the outcomes of these deliberations will likely have lasting implications for the district's approach to safety and professional development.