Burbank SD 111 board moves into closed session after public comment on federal funding

The Board of Education of Burbank School District No. 111 met in a special session Feb. 23 and moved into closed session after a public commenter raised concerns about federal grant oversight and accountability.

President Marissa Swistowicz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and Secretary Agnieszka Dabrowski recorded seven board members and three administrators present. After leading the Pledge of Allegiance, Swistowicz reminded attendees the meeting was being audio recorded.

During public comment, resident Donna Kriegseis said closed sessions are important and raised multiple concerns tied to federal funding and a planned early learning center. "Donald Trump has frozen funds based on accountability of the State of Illinois and we are the poster child for his point," Ms. Kriegseis said, and she said she had submitted Freedom of Information Act requests and felt her concerns had not been taken seriously.

Following public comment, Vice President Thomas Jansen moved — and Member Gregory Komperda seconded — a motion to go into closed session "pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 to consider the appointment, employment, and dismissal or evaluation of personnel," the statute cited on the agenda. The board approved the motion by roll call (Ayes: Jansen, Komperda, Dabrowski, Schuetz, Greene, Swistowicz, Thomas) and entered closed session at 6:03 p.m.

The board reconvened in open session at 8:05 p.m. President Swistowicz asked for any motions arising from closed session; none were offered. Vice President Jansen moved to adjourn, Member John Schuetz seconded, and the board adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

No formal action or vote on the matters discussed in closed session was recorded in the meeting minutes distributed with the agenda.