Board approves human-resources report; one trustee abstains citing process concerns

The District 59 Board of Education approved the human-resources report, which included appointments of two administrators, after a roll-call vote. One trustee abstained and several trustees said they wanted clearer communication about hiring procedures going forward.

Board members congratulated the appointees identified in the meeting as Lena DeVito, returning as assistant principal at Grove Junior High, and Jill Doles, moving from an assistant principal and summer-school principal role to become principal at Ridge Center for Family Learning beginning next week. Trustees spoke in support of the hires while noting concerns about the hiring communication process.

The board conducted a roll call. Recorded votes included multiple trustees voting aye and one trustee, Kitzinger, recorded as abstaining. Speakers who voiced reservations said they were “very happy for the candidates” but wanted improved information-sharing from the district’s leadership team about hiring steps and rationale.

The board’s approval will take effect per district hiring procedures; staff said they will continue work on streamlining communication and providing more detail on personnel processes to the board.