Granite City CUSD 9 board approves interview procedures after debate over board access and confidentiality

The Granite City CUSD 9 Board of Education unanimously approved a detailed administrative procedure for hiring and interviews on June 4, after more than an hour of discussion over interview length, confidentiality and whether board members should observe administrative interviews.

The board adopted the administrative procedure (AP) with the amendments discussed at the meeting, including a commitment to share interview materials with interview committees via controlled access and clarifying that any board member may request to receive candidate materials. Chair (S1) moved the amended motion; the board voted by roll call to approve it.

The procedure read aloud by Superintendent Harris (S4) lays out steps from job analysis and posting to paper screening, use of a standardized rubric (scores of 1–5 per question), reference and background checks, and conditions for second-round interviews. Assistant Superintendent Adam (S6) described the AP as designed to create “objective and consistent assessment across all candidates,” while allowing targeted second interviews when committee members identify gaps in information.

Board members pressed administration on several points. Multiple members said a one-hour interview block is insufficient for thorough committee review; the board agreed to lengthen or otherwise adjust allowed interview time. Concerned about prior leaks of applicant information, members and administrators discussed confidentiality controls; administration said materials would be shared with committee members through secured access (for example, a Google Drive with view-only settings) and committee members would be reminded of confidentiality responsibilities.

A point of contention was whether board members should observe interviews, particularly for administrator-level hires. One board member (Board member (S2)) argued board observation provides necessary oversight and builds trust; another (Board member (S3)) said the board’s role is to delegate hiring authority to the superintendent and administration and that attending interviews risks creating inequities if only some board members can be present. The board ultimately agreed that executive session could be used to review contested hires or score sheets when appropriate and that candidate documentation could be provided upon request from any board member ahead of a vote.

Administration also clarified how the district handles offers and notifications: staff may make an informal, conditional recommendation to a candidate by phone (pending board approval and completion of paperwork and background checks), but formal employment is completed only after board approval and verification of required documentation.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of minutes (May 6, 2025): approved by roll call (unanimous). - Retirements and resignations: accepted (unanimous). - Employment: Jessica Thompson, Prather Elementary sixth-grade teacher for 2025–26 (pending paperwork): approved (unanimous). - Employment: Braden Dickerson and Alex Wright, district custodians for 2025–26 (pending paperwork): approved (unanimous). - Authorization for district attorney to intervene in Property Tax Appeal Board proceeding (tax year 2024; appraisal funding discussed): approved (unanimous). Administration noted the district would participate in appraisals; $12,500 was cited as a contribution for appraisals. - Approval of the Human-Resources Administrative Procedure (with amendments): approved (unanimous).

Why this matters: The AP establishes consistent interview and selection practices for Granite City CUSD 9 and aims to reduce legal risk by standardizing questions and recordkeeping. The board’s discussion underscores community concerns about transparency, confidentiality and appropriate oversight in hiring decisions for school-district positions.

Next steps: The AP will be implemented administratively; hires approved pending submission of required paperwork and background checks are to proceed. The board scheduled its next meeting for June 24.

Quotes (selected): - Board member (S9): “I want to highlight the importance of transparency and accountability and trust within district governance,” urging that information not be withheld from board members. - Assistant Superintendent Adam (S6): “We’ve tried to have a consistent rubric that gives kind of look-fors to that 1–5 rating scale,” describing the district’s scoring approach and the rationale for targeted second interviews. - Superintendent Harris (S4): “Human resources will maintain accurate and confidential records of all interview-related documents,” reading the AP text and emphasizing confidentiality and procedure.

The board adjourned after completing its agenda.