Board accepts long‑time administrator’s retirement, approves new EL data manager

The Waukegan Public Schools Board of Education accepted a slate of personnel recommendations Sept. 9 that included retirements, resignations and appointments. Trustees voted to approve the administration’s recommendations as listed on personnel schedules.
During discussion, several trustees offered tributes to Angel Figueroa, an administrator who announced his retirement after decades with the district. Trustee Lindsey said Figueroa will be missed and noted his long service; other trustees described him as a role model and thanked him for recruitment work and leadership. No substantive personnel controversy was recorded; the board approved the personnel slate by roll call.
Separately, the board welcomed Alfredo Gutierrez, described in the agenda as having previously served as a bilingual data supervisor at “Wachford Public Schools, District 205,” and approved his appointment as manager of EL Student Data and Assessment with a starting salary of $90,000. Gutierrez spoke briefly, saying, “Thank you,” upon introduction.
Roll call on the personnel motion: Miss Fabian — yes; Miss Hannah — yes; Miss Lensing — yes; Mr. McBride — yes; Miss Ramirez — yes; President Rodriguez — yes. Motion carries.
Why it matters: Personnel changes shape district operations. Trustees emphasized the importance of continuity and institutional knowledge when experienced administrators retire and flagged recruitment and staffing as ongoing priorities.
Provenance: Personnel recommendation and approval appear under Item 7 on the meeting agenda; comments about Figueroa’s service appear in board discussion immediately after the personnel motion.