Waukegan board votes to initiate reclassification and nonrenewal process for middle school assistant principal

The Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board of Education voted on March 18 to initiate a proposed reclassification and nonrenewal for a middle‑school assistant principal, authorizing the superintendent to issue the written notice required under state procedure.

Board President Ewing said the motion — described in closed session and presented in open session — would start the statutory process, not constitute a final decision. "This vote is to initiate the process. It is not a final decision," the district's counsel said during the meeting.

The motion, moved by Board member Bridal and seconded by Board member Fabian, passed by majority voice/roll‑call. Board member McBride recorded a No vote and Board member Hannah recorded a No vote; Fabian, Gonzales and President Ewing recorded Yes votes. President Ewing announced, "Item approved. Motion carries." The board’s action obliges the district to provide the administrator a written notice and to offer the individual an opportunity for a private hearing; if the administrator remains dissatisfied, a public hearing is available under the statute.

Board members who urged delay said they lacked complete information from the closed‑session briefing and asked for more facts before moving forward. "I am really asking that this matter be held over until the board is given more information in relation to the investigation going on," said Board member Hannah during the public meeting. Counsel and other board members said the district faces an April 1 deadline that limits postponement without forgoing the statutory process and certain options for administrator placement.

Public comment immediately before the vote included multiple speakers who raised concerns about district transparency and the effect of personnel disruptions on students. Several commenters asked for clearer communication to families when administrators are absent and criticized perceived lapses in accountability.

The board record and the motion as read in public state the district will issue the notice substantially in the form shared in closed session and provide the procedural protections the statute requires. No final removal or employment decision was made at the March 18 public meeting; the action authorized tonight begins the process that includes the notice, optional private hearing and any subsequent public hearing. The superintendent and board counsel said they would follow the statutory timeline and report back with the next procedural steps.

The vote closes the public portion of this agenda item; the board adjourned shortly afterward and the district said it will proceed with the notices and follow the statutory hearing opportunities described by counsel.