Parent urges board to prioritize Vernon Hills High aquatics facility repairs, calls for wider consultation

During the public comment portion of the June 23 meeting, parent Gwen Janssen urged the board to consult district staff and athletic leaders about the condition and use of the Vernon Hills High School aquatics facility.

Janssen told trustees, “I just hope that you look to determine what's in the best interest of our district finances, our athletic programming, and equity of opportunity to support our students.” She asked the board to “talk to mister Dan Stanley about the state of our facilities and finances and what we can and should be doing to protect our valuable but aging aquatics facility,” and to loop in “mister Jim Pardon, the head of aquatics at VHHS,” the two athletic directors and the incoming superintendent.

Janssen said the concern is driven in part by a recent HVAC failure above the pool that caused a “sudden catastrophe” and required expensive work; she asked the board to gather input from people who know the facilities and programming so decisions protect students and district finances.

The board did not take action during the meeting; Janssen’s remarks were recorded during the public comment period and the board acknowledged the request.