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President defends district travel, vehicle and small spending after WGN questions
Summary
Board President Dean Barnett responded to WGN News questions about district spending, including professional-development travel, a $90,000 Ford truck purchase, a $530 flower expense and a $7,000 conference expenditure; Barnett said professional development benefits students.
Board President Dean Barnett addressed questions from WGN News during the Oct. 20 meeting about several district expenditures and defended the district's spending on professional development.
Barnett explained travel for professional development in Oak Brook and Schaumburg and discussed a $90,000 Ford truck purchase and a $530 floral expense recorded in district documents. He also explained a $7,000 expenditure at the Bellagio in Las Vegas for a Council on Urban Boards of Education conference, saying professional development for administrators and board members supports student achievement. "I came and I actually got my blood pressure taken, and I had a great time," Barnett said when praising a recent health fair the district hosted.
Minutes record that board members answered media questions and that Barnett emphasized the importance of professional development amid a tense climate; the board did not record a follow-up motion or vote related to these expenditures at this meeting.
