Hazel Park board votes to eliminate district council position amid financial concerns

The Hazel Park Board of Education voted April 13 to eliminate the district council position, with the termination date amended to July 15, 2026. Board members and staff framed the action as a cost-reduction step in response to an official determination that the district's financial condition 'is wanting.'

At the meeting, a staff reader recited a resolution stating the board had retained a business consultant and concluded the district's general fund balance requires personnel reductions. The resolution said the council's existing contract permits termination if the board determines personnel reductions are necessary and directs the superintendent to provide written notice of elimination and termination effective 07/15/2026.

A trustee moved the nonrenewal of the district council position and amended the effective date to July 15, 2026. The board then held a roll-call vote; multiple trustees voted yes and one trustee, Vincent, voted no. The chair announced the motion carried.

Board discussion referenced prior 90-day notices and contract provisions; staff clarified that because the matter was delayed previously, timing required extending the notice window so that benefits and contract timelines were addressed. Staff said the superintendent will issue the written notice required by the resolution.

The board did not adopt other personnel reductions at the meeting, but staff said it will return with further staff and contract items once negotiations and related actions are complete. The board did not name any replacement for the eliminated position at the meeting.

The next procedural step is for staff to deliver the written notice to the district council and to implement the termination as directed in the resolution.