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Ernest Jones sworn in to CCSD 168 board; members approve consent items, enter closed session
Summary
Community Consolidated School District 168 swore in Ernest Jones as a newly appointed board member on March 23, 2026. The board approved the consent agenda, moved into closed session for personnel and contract negotiations, and later approved several contracts and personnel actions after returning to open session.
Ernest Jones took the oath of office at the Community Consolidated School District 168 board meeting on March 23, joining the board after a public posting and interview process. Secretary Garrett administered the oath while President Tammy Jones and the superintendent signed his certificate.
The oath — read and affirmed at the meeting — emphasized adherence to the U.S. and Illinois constitutions, respect for taxpayers’ interests and recognition that board decisions are made by majority vote in public meetings. After the ceremony the board moved through routine business and confirmed a quorum.
Why it matters: The appointment and formal swearing-in fills a vacancy on the district board and restores the body’s full membership for votes on contracts, personnel and district policy.
After introductions and recognitions, a board member moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded and, following a roll-call vote, the board chair announced the motion carried.
The board then voted to enter closed session at 7:52 p.m. "for the purpose of personnel [and] contract negotiations," as the motion stated. The board returned to open session at 8:41 p.m.
On returning to open session the board took votes on a set of administrative items. The board approved exempt contracts and administrative contracts by roll call. The board also voted to employ a candidate for the chief school business officer post; the roll call recorded one 'no' vote from Secretary Garrett and the motion carried. The board adopted a decision on a complaint (listed in the meeting as "movie versus Dr. Lee"); that motion carried after a roll-call vote in which Secretary Garrett again voted 'no' and the majority voted to approve the decision.
The meeting closed with brief public comment and adjourned at about 9:06 p.m. The board identified follow-up administrative tasks including reimbursements and logistics for the upcoming NSBA conference and graduation preparations.
Actions recorded at the meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a closed-session period for personnel and negotiations, approval of exempt and administrative contracts, employment of a CSBO candidate (approved over a recorded dissent), and adoption of a complaint decision. Minutes and associated contract documents were listed as part of the board record for the meeting.
Next steps: The board will continue administrative follow-up items noted in the meeting packets and finalize reimbursements and conference logistics ahead of the next scheduled meeting.
