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Board approves personnel actions including dismissal resolutions; one student’s expulsion period modified to suspension
Summary
The Waukegan board approved multiple personnel items and adopted resolutions recommending dismissal of two tenured employees with suspension without pay pending hearings; the board also concurred with superintendent’s modification of a mandatory one‑year expulsion, reducing it to a five‑day out‑of‑school suspension.
The Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 Board of Education approved a series of personnel recommendations on May 26, including appointments, retirements and resignations, and adopted dismissal resolutions for two tenured employees (referenced by employee numbers in the agenda). Administration recommended suspension without pay pending completion of dismissal proceedings and directed staff to issue formal notices and, if requested, pursue independent hearings under Illinois school code procedures.
Board members debated accountability concerns during the personnel votes. Board member Miss Lensing said accountability and safety are “at the forefront” and announced she would vote no on at least one personnel packet item; the board nonetheless carried the motion to accept the personnel items. The dismissal resolution includes a bill of particulars and assignment of legal counsel, and gives each employee 17 calendar days to request a hearing under the Illinois School Code.
Separately, the board considered a student‑discipline matter involving a student who had a mandatory expulsion referral for possession of a weapon. The superintendent recommended modifying the mandatory one‑year expulsion to a five‑day out‑of‑school suspension because the student had already served days under an individualized safety plan; the board voted to concur with that modification and directed written notification to the student’s parent.
Why it matters: Dismissal resolutions for tenured employees and modifications to mandatory expulsions are significant legal and personnel actions that trigger procedural protections, possible hearings, and community interest. The board’s votes set the district on a path toward formal proceedings if requested by the affected employees.
What to expect: The district will issue notices of dismissal and the employees have rights to request independent hearings; the board appointed outside counsel for potential hearings. The parent of the student disciplined will be notified in writing within five school business days.
