Despite comments from teachers and community members, Palatine School District 211’s board has refused to explain why it has not interviewed a local candidate to replace outgoing Supt. Gerald Chapman.
Before adjourning to executive session Monday night to interview a superintendent candidate, school board members heard from people who were upset the board had not interviewed within the district.
Most were referring to Palatine High School Principal Nancy Robb. David Freeman, chairman of the social studies department at Palatine, told board members that District 211 schools “are among the best in the state and current staff has played a part in that.”
The board is expected to announce its choice for superintendent Thursday.
Sue Gould, former president of the Palatine’s VIP Booster Club, told the board she was “extremely disappointed by this failure of you and your search consultants to recognize that you have an outstanding candidate right here in your own community.”
Leslee Johnson, chairwoman of Palatine’s English department, said neither teachers nor community members were invited to attend interviewing committee meetings or talks on the search for Chapman’s successor.
Johnson suggested that the board delay its decision until after the April 3 election. Board members Dora Wolf and Anna Klimkowicz are running for re-election, and Anne Koller is retiring.
Board President Martha Swierczewski did not comment on Robb.
“We’ve heard your concerns and know they are sincere and heartfelt,” she said.
“But we are not at liberty at this point to say anything because it’s personal and confidential. Bear with us until the process is over.”
