Board accepts school nurse’s resignation in lieu of termination after closed‑session review

The Waukegan Board of Education accepted a school support staff nurse’s resignation in lieu of termination Wednesday after reviewing the matter in closed session.

Board member Mister Riddle moved to accept the administration’s recommendation and Miss Fabian seconded the motion. The board discussed the personnel item in public after the closed‑session vote. Board members acknowledged district staffing shortages and said decisions about personnel were difficult. Board member Miss Lensing said, “our kids deserve the best … if you are not here for our kids to get them to be their best, I personally don't think you're a fit for Waukegan,” and said the board must balance staff retention with student safety.

Miss Fabian emphasized the district’s responsibility for a healthy and safe environment and said the board receives personnel information in closed session before voting. After public remarks the board held a roll‑call vote and approved the recommendation to accept the resignation in lieu of termination.

Administrators noted that one portion of the personnel slate (item B) would not move forward after clarifying status. The board also approved a batch of appointments, resignations and retirements contained on the published personnel schedules; those items passed on roll call following standard procedure.

The board’s discussion included repeated references to the district’s broader staffing challenges: one member said the district has lost employees who subsequently “go to other school districts and they flourish.” Board members said those staffing constraints factor into personnel decisions but that the district also must ensure student safety and professional standards in every building.

The board’s action was limited to the specific personnel recommendations before it; no additional discipline or personnel actions were announced publicly at the meeting.