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District 211 board votes to censure member Peter Dombrowski over alleged closed-session disclosures
Summary
The Township High School District 211 Board of Education voted to censure board member Peter Dombrowski for disclosing information from a closed session, a measure trustees said was necessary to protect student and staff confidentiality; Dombrowski defended his actions as transparency to constituents.
The Township High School District 211 Board of Education voted Dec. 11 to adopt a resolution censuring board member Peter Dombrowski for allegedly divulging confidential material discussed during a closed session. President Stephen Rosenblum presented the resolution, saying the disclosures violated the oath of office and board policy BBF and had "negatively impacted the trust and confidentiality expected of board members."
Dombrowski spoke in his own defense, calling the events "both sad and convoluted" and saying the board "acts on behalf of the community" and that he chose transparency and constituent communication over secrecy. He said screenshots of his private messages were shared with the board and that he would continue to answer community questions.
Multiple trustees and the superintendent pushed back, saying the disclosures put students, staff and the district at risk. Trustee Campbell said the actions "did not protect the students who came forward" and noted that confidentiality is foundational to trust. Trustees argued the board must safeguard sensitive information shared in closed session to protect due process, student privacy and future cooperation with outside agencies.
A roll-call vote adopted the censure resolution. According to the record, Mr. Dombrowski voted no; the remaining trustees voted in favor, carrying the resolution. The resolution directs Mr. Dombrowski to "properly perform his duties" and to cease disclosing confidential information.
The board framed the censure as a disciplinary, non-removal remedy available under its governance rules; it did not remove Mr. Dombrowski from office or impose additional employment sanctions. The resolution cites Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5/10-16.5 and board policy BBF.
The board recessed for five minutes following the vote; trustees said they hope the action restores trust and affirms their responsibility to protect sensitive information.
