Georgetown-Ridge Farm board moves into closed session to discuss personnel and possible litigation

The Georgetown-Ridge Farm Community Unit District #4 Board of Education moved into closed session on Nov. 25 to discuss personnel matters and possible litigation, according to the special meeting minutes.

Board President Kevin Latoz called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. at the superintendent’s office, 502 Mulberry Street in Georgetown. The agenda listed “Adjournment to Closed Meeting for Personnel Pursuant to IL Open Meetings Act: 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1): The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the District or legal counsel for the District, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the district to determine its validity. Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.” The minutes record that the item was on the agenda but do not provide additional public detail about the personnel or litigation matters themselves.

A roll call listed board members Sandi Doggett, Lisa Coburn, Carla Pollman, Greg Emmert, Kevin Latoz and Mike Gragert as present and declared a quorum. The minutes record motions as “Motion Carried” and later state a motion to adjourn was passed with “Ayes: All in favor; Nayes: None.” The minutes do not identify who moved or seconded the motions.

The meeting minutes identify Darla Attutis as recording secretary and include signature lines for the board president and secretary. No public discussion or claims about personnel or litigation are reported in the public minutes; the substantive discussion occurred in closed session and is not included in the public record.