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Board confirms Mario Ford as Western Avenue principal after public comment urging strict certification review
Summary
The board approved Mario Ford as principal of Western Avenue School. During public comment an administrator urged the board to delay principal hires until members review Illinois State Board of Education certification requirements and questioned proposed pay and stipends.
The Flossmoor School District 161 Board of Education on June 9 approved the appointment of Mario Ford as principal of Western Avenue School according to the terms of his contract.
The motion to appoint Ford passed by roll call. After the vote, Ford thanked the board, saying he was “honored” and looked forward to serving the community: “I look forward to serving the community and ensuring that all stakeholders are seen, heard, and valued.”
Earlier in the meeting a public commenter identified herself as an administrator and urged the board to delay principal hiring decisions until members had reviewed Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) certification requirements and related portions of the school code. The commenter said elementary principals must hold specific administrative credentials and complete a practicum, and she asked the board to “please table the decision until the board has an idea and reads all the ISB information that is needed to hire a teacher.”
The commenter also raised questions about salary and stipends. She recommended the board consider certification requirements before approving high initial compensation and asked the board to provide complete board packets to the public; she said she had received only a partial packet prior to the meeting and asked staff to forward the full materials.
Board members proceeded with the motion to approve Ford’s contract. The board chair announced the motion passed by roll call and congratulated Ford. Ford addressed the board and community, thanking them and committing to support students and staff.
Discussion vs. decision: the public comment was a request to delay and to verify certification and compensation against ISBE rules; the board made a formal appointment and voted to approve the candidate at the meeting.
