Get AI Briefings, Transcripts & Alerts on Local & National Government Meetings — Forever.
West Chicago ESD 33 board accepts teacher’s resignation after social‑media controversy; community voices concern
Loading...
Summary
The West Chicago ESD 33 board on Feb. 5 accepted the voluntary resignation of district employee James Heidorn after a closed‑session review tied to a social‑media post; a dozen parents and community members addressed the board during public comment urging accountability and clarity.
The Board of Education for West Chicago Elementary School District 33 voted unanimously Feb. 5 to accept the voluntary resignation of district employee James Heidorn, effective immediately, and to enter into a separation agreement, Board President Rita Balgeman said.
President Rita Balgeman said the district had placed the employee on paid administrative leave while investigating the impact of a post on the employee’s personal social‑media account and that the board’s action followed advice from legal counsel. "The Board voted this evening to accept Mr. Heidorn's voluntary resignation, effective immediately, and to enter into a separation agreement," Balgeman said. She added the district’s decisions were intended to balance employee rights and due process with the need to minimize disruption to schools. The resignation letter and separation agreement will be available through the district’s Freedom of Information Act process, Balgeman said.
Superintendent Kristina Davis confirmed the district coordinated the matter with legal counsel; the record shows the board discussed personnel and legal matters in closed session under the Open Meetings Act exception for personnel (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)). Board member Sandra Garcia read a Spanish translation of President Balgeman’s statement for Spanish‑speaking community members.
During the public comment period, 12 parents and community members addressed the board about the social‑media post and the employee’s status. Speakers identified in the meeting record included Nestor Ruiz (speaking on behalf of Senator Villa), Timothy Lorman, Irene Carrillo, Corinne Ingrum, Diana Galvan, Keely Walker, Samantha Reuter, Nathan Klapatch, Audrey Luhmann, Laura and Clara Finch, Rafael Veyra of Despertar Latino, and Samantha Munoz. The board did not engage in dialogue during the public comment period; the administration said it would follow up directly if further action or investigation were required.
The board emphasized that its membership consists of parents and community members with a range of personal and political views and said the matter was handled as an operational personnel issue intended to restore stability and focus in district schools.
No statement from James Heidorn appears in the board record provided at the meeting. The district noted the separation agreement and resignation letter are obtainable via a FOIA request, which would provide further documentation of the terms.
The meeting record shows the board returned to other agenda business after public comment and moved on to routine fiscal approvals before adjourning at 7:57 p.m.