Board approves Amendment No. 2 to general counsel contract after public criticism and board debate

The Waukegan CUSD 60 Board of Education on Oct. 28 approved Amendment No. 2 to the district general counsel’s contract, which the administration described as a contract action necessary because annual evaluations had not been completed for fiscal years 2022–2025.

During public comment, community members urged greater transparency about legal settlements and criticized omissions in public reports. Board member Miss Hannah argued that the general counsel “does not merit a satisfactory performance evaluation” based on alleged missed legal deadlines, procurement irregularities and undisclosed outside employment; she urged the board not to approve an extension or a satisfactory rating.

Board President Rodriguez responded that the board’s action follows the contract’s terms: when the board fails to perform its annually required evaluation, the contract treats continued employment as satisfactory by default, creating a contractual obligation that the board must now address. He emphasized that personnel matters are closed-session material and therefore detailed allegations could not be discussed in public.

Several board members said the failure to conduct annual reviews was the board’s responsibility. Miss Lensing and Miss Fabian both said they would vote yes while acknowledging the board’s obligation to do its own work and to provide timely evaluations going forward. Miss Lindsey said approving the amendment does not remove the board’s responsibility to hold future reviews and apologized to staff for the procedural lapse.

The motion to approve Amendment No. 2 passed by roll call (six yes, one no). The board directed that future evaluations and the evaluation schedule be completed going forward; because personnel matters remain closed-session topics, additional details about the allegations and any corrective steps were not discussed in public.