Orland Park moves to create paid student internship program; board adds outreach coordinator to salary ordinance amid debate

The Orland Park Committee of the Whole moved May 19 to recommend creation of a paid student internship program and approved an ordinance amendment to the salary schedule that creates a new outreach coordinator position and consolidates intern pay grades.

Staff described the internship program as a village‑wide, paid opportunity (19 hours per week) intended to train students and provide departmental support. Village Manager George Casuara said the program is flexible in length so that interns could be hired for summer or year‑long terms depending on department needs and student availability.

Trustees supported the idea but emphasized program design. Trustee Mike Malani said internships must provide meaningful learning with defined work plans and dedicated mentors, not merely temporary staff augmentation. Malani suggested the village avoid nepotism and implement a clear selection process, an interview rubric and success measures — items staff said they would incorporate as the program is developed.

Separately, the committee considered an ordinance amending appendices A and B of the village salary ordinance (Ordinance No. 5968, third amendment). The amendment removes the assistant to the village manager position, adds an outreach coordinator (grade 8) to replace it, removes two part‑time intern grades and replaces them with a single intern grade (hourly grade 500). The outreach coordinator job description was described as supporting outreach, intergovernmental affairs and elements of the internship and Citizens Academy.

Trustees raised concerns about overlap between the proposed outreach coordinator duties and existing communications staff, the need for grant‑seeking responsibilities if the role is intended to secure capital funds, and budget timing. Trustee Malani said much of the internship and Citizens Academy coordination could be handled by existing staff and that the outreach coordinator’s salary — presented in the range of roughly $79,000 to $100,000 — warranted caution. George Casuara said the outreach coordinator would help rebuild intergovernmental relationships and pursue grant opportunities that could offset costs.

On the ordinance vote, the committee recorded several ayes and one no: Trustee Malani voted no on the salary ordinance amendment. The internship program creation motion passed with broad support and will go to the village board along with the salary ordinance amendment for final action and budgeting.

Staff said they will incorporate trustee feedback on mentor assignment, selection criteria and program oversight and return with a refined policy and any necessary budget proposals.