A public commenter at District 158’s Committee of the Whole meeting on Aug. 7 urged the board to address an apparent conflict of interest involving a board member who also serves as CEO of Little City. The commenter, Kathleen Anderson of Huntley, said the dual role created a “bad precedent” and said, “I believe Mr. Babbi should resign.”

The comment prompted an extended discussion among trustees, lawyers and the board member at the meeting about whether the relationship violated state law or district policy and how to avoid similar issues in the future. The board attorney reviewed the materials and concluded there was not a material legal conflict based on the facts provided, but recommended disclosure and common‑sense recusal in situations that could appear conflicted.

Why it matters: Trustees said the exchange was about protecting public trust and ensuring that procurement and payments are handled transparently. Several members urged steps to eliminate any appearance of impropriety; others urged caution and reliance on legal counsel’s review.

Key facts: The board meeting record shows the concern first raised in public comment and then taken up in detail during governance discussion. The superintendent and CFO confirmed they and the president and secretary had consulted counsel. The attorney’s memo (board counsel) concluded, in short, that under the cited legal guidance the arrangement did not create a disqualifying conflict, but also reiterated the value of disclosure and recusal in borderline cases.

Board actions and discussion: Trustees agreed to a process change for the monthly payables list so that any vendor tied to a board member would be extracted into a separate line item and packet page. Several trustees pressed for a fuller public record: one trustee asked that the attorney’s written opinion be released to the public; several trustees supported that release and a small majority indicated they would make the attorney’s letter public. Other trustees called for the board member to resign; the board member declined and described his professional background and motives for serving on the board.

Quotes and attributions: Public commenter Kathleen Anderson said the dual role would “open up a bad precedent” and urged resignation. Mister Bobby, identified in meeting records as a board member and the CEO of Little City, defended his service and said he “has a very deep passion for students, especially students who are struggling,” and that he had recused himself when he identified items tied to Little City.

Next steps: The committee agreed to present a separate payables listing for Little City invoices at future meetings and to poll trustees about making the board attorney’s written opinion public. Trustees also asked staff to ensure future payables and packet materials make any recusals and separations clear to the public.

Ending: The board’s discussion will continue as part of regular meetings; trustees said they would pursue the documentation and packet changes discussed at the Aug. 7 session and will consider additional policy language or guidance if counsel recommends it.