CHSD 99 reiterates discipline policy for in‑day student walkouts; board votes to enter closed session on bargaining

Board members asked Superintendent Dr. Thiele to outline district procedures for planned student walkouts after rumors circulated about possible demonstrations. Dr. Thiele told the board the district has long treated protest and advocacy as permissible but maintains discipline for students who leave classes or the campus during the school day because the district’s primary responsibility is supervision and instruction.

"There is no punishment for protesting. The punishment is for leaving school and not participating in the educational environment," Dr. Thiele said, adding the district’s rules apply regardless of the protest’s topic. He noted that the district coordinates with Downers Grove police and that leaving campus increases safety risk and strains staff resources because staff cannot follow students off campus.

Board members emphasized the need for viewpoint‑neutral enforcement and asked about communication with parents and police. Dr. Thiele said district staff had proactively informed families about procedures and that principals would coordinate with local authorities if substantial numbers of students left the campus.

After the discussion the board moved to enter closed session under the Open Meetings Act exception for collective negotiating matters and salary schedule deliberations. Kara Kasten moved the motion and Michael Riske seconded; a roll‑call vote recorded ayes from Kara Kasten, Michael Riske, Katie Courtney, Ken Dawson, Chris Espinosa, April Feynan and Don Renner, and the motion carried. The only public action planned after closed session was adjournment.