Parents, educators demand accountability at CHSD 128 after allegations of grooming and reporting failures

At the May 18 CHSD 128 Board meeting, more than a half-dozen parents and community members delivered forceful public comments accusing district leaders of a pattern of misconduct and failures to protect students.

Jeanette Hyam, who identified herself as the parent of a Libertyville High School senior, told the board she had intended to be celebrating a graduation but instead stood before trustees to press for “student safety, accountability and leadership.” Hyam said the board’s recent action to place Associate Superintendent Briant Kelly on administrative leave was welcome but insufficient, and she urged the district to investigate whether failures extended beyond one individual.

Other parents described deeply personal allegations. Marni Navarro, a district graduate and lawyer, said she had spent weeks collecting reports from victims and described repeated accounts of grooming, stalking and retaliation she said were tolerated for years. Navarro called for “radical transparency and accountability,” urged for‑cause terminations and suggested criminal investigations for implicated staff. Dan Vass, a parent who said he had contacted the Lake County state’s attorney, said failures to report suspected grooming to DCFS could be criminal under Illinois law and pressed the board to forfeit pensions when appropriate and to pursue stronger background‑check legislation in Springfield.

Several speakers said they had raised concerns to district administrators in prior years with little change. Laura Weber said she and others warned Superintendent Schaffer specifically about Briant Kelly and accused the administration of defending him. Brian Peterson, a parent and school administrator, outlined a string of incidents involving sexualized comments, inadequate supervision and an assembly incident in which an outside vendor allegedly sat on a student’s lap while staff stood by.

Not all public commenters focused on allegations. Jennifer Ty, a retiring teacher with 35 years in the district, praised staff and urged the board to remember the district’s strengths while addressing current challenges.

The complaints referenced specific personnel actions the district has taken in recent days: Associate Superintendent Briant Kelly has been placed on paid administrative leave, and former board president Jim Batson resigned. Board members and administrators acknowledged those steps in the meeting packet and during discussion but made no new personnel announcements during public comment.

Why it matters: Speakers repeatedly framed the issue as systemic rather than isolated, saying repeated, unaddressed complaints create ongoing risk to students and erode community trust. Several asked the board to use its authority under board policy to terminate staff for cause and to ensure mandatory reporters are identified and held accountable.

What the board said: The meeting record shows the board received those comments and asked for additional information on personnel and investigative processes in closed session; the board did not take public votes on discipline or terminations during the open session. Several board members said they wanted thorough, legally sound responses and more information before acting publicly.

Next steps: The board convened in closed session after the public comments to discuss employment matters and selection of a board vacancy. Multiple speakers said they expect ongoing public pressure, potential legal action, and legislative attention in Springfield if the district does not follow through with transparent investigations and stronger safeguards.

Claims and status: Callers alleged failures to report to DCFS, patterns of grooming and administrative coverup; those allegations were presented as claims in public comment and remain unresolved pending investigation and any law‑enforcement action.