MEET PRESIDENT TAMMY JONES- Candidate for Re-Election to School Board District 168

TAMMY N. JONES

TAMMY N. JONES

Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member School District 168

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Tammy N. Jones has been an active member of the community previously having been elected to School District 168 School Board in 2011, re-elected in 2015 and currently serves as Board President since 2017. 

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. 

Tammy N Jones is a proud alumnus of Thornton Township High School. She obtained her Associate’s degree from Lincoln Junior College in Normal, Illinois. Tammy has worked for several companies including TRC Secretarial Services, Hysan, Cooperation and Arthur Andersen LLP. 

In 1997, Tammy married Derrick Jones, and their family relocated to Sauk Village in 2002. This move was Tammy’s most rewarding career change; she became a Housewife and stay-at-home Mom, allowing her to be active in the community while participating in her children's educational and social development. Her daughter, Darian, is a home grown product of CCSD 168 and is currently attending Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. Tammy’s son, Tyler, is a Sophomore at Bloom Trail High School. Since moving to Sauk Village, Tammy has dedicated twelve years to Trails End Girl Scout Association as a troop leader and a Service Unit Manager; three years to Boy Scout Pack 152; three years to the Sauk Village Sports Association, several years of selfless volunteer work at CEDA Head Start and one year with Neighborhood watch, all in addition to her continuous dedication to CCSD 168.

 Since here election to the school board in 2011, Tammy Jones duties include:

Ø  Currently President of School Board- District 168

Ø  Vice President, S.P.E.E.D representative

Ø  Chairperson of the Policy Committee.

Ø  Fellow and Master Board Member recognition by the Illinois State Board of Education

Ø  Past Vice President of the School Board- District 168

PRESIDENT TAMMY JONES SPEAKS TO RESIDENTS

Over the past eight years, Tammy has worked with three different Superintendents and a diverse school board members; however, her focus has remained the same, and that is to provide the absolute best for the Districts students, employees, as well as the tax payers.

During her first term 2011 to 2015, Tammy was instrumental in changes such as, all students receiving free lunch and eating in the cafeteria instead of the classroom ensuring a cleaner and safer learning atmosphere. Additionally, relaxing the  uniform policy for students, allowing the focus to remain on education and not on what the children are wearing. Safer drinking water for all students and staff provided via water coolers. Several computer carts were added to all schools to ensure students are being exposed to the technological world that we have evolved into. The substructure has been updated to ensure that they are ready for the new assessment tests that are aligned with Common Core Curriculum.  The Policy manual and student handbook were aligned. The Board earned its first ever Good Governance award. During her second term the Board has continued to move the district forward. They have adopted a new math and reading curriculum.  All of the buildings have brand new piping connected to a water filtration system that provides safe water fountains instead of water coolers. The district has a brand new food vendor providing the students a healthy lunch. Rickover has a new IESA certified track and newly remodeled media center and the six grade wing. Last but not least, we continue to earn the Good Governance award. Although the district has accomplished many things during her tenure,

Tammy understands there is still much more that needs to be done; the students test scores are showing growth but not meeting state norms. The district has a healthy fund balance but needs to have a balanced budget. Tammy’s aspiration is to be re-elected so that she can continue breaking barriers and building futures. 

MEET RADONNA BROWN- Candidate for School Board District 168

RADONNA BROWN, M.S.

BY STEVE LAROCK, EDITOR

RaDonna Brown is running for School Board in Sauk Village's School District 168, election is April 2nd.   This information was provided by the candidate for this profile. This is not an endorsement for RaDonna, but we want to take this opportunity to showcase a series of candidates running in School District 168 to help educate residents of Sauk Village.  School Board members serve without compensation and are the watchdogs for your tax dollars and for the success of Sauk Village's Schools!  We hope you familiarize yourself with these candidates showcased in this series.  GOOD LUCK RaDONNA:

Meet RaDonna Brown, MS is an 13 year resident of Sauk Village, Illinois and mother of 2 children currently attending School District District 168 schools. RaDonna has owned and operated a state-licensed home daycare for the last 12 years. She provides a fun, safe, reliable, and nurturing environment for children of working families in the community. RaDonna also provides home care services for the Illinois Department Of Human Services for children with disabilities. Anyone who knows RaDonna, will undeniably know that she has a passion for children.

RaDonna recognizes the importance of education and often encourages others. She received her undergraduate degree in 2006 (BOG/Early Childhood Education) from Chicago State University and her graduate degree in 2014 (Human Behavior) from Capella University. Throughout the years, RaDonna has earned many credentials and certifications from the Illinois Department of Human Services which includes Infant and Toddler Specialist LV2 and Early Childhood Educator LV2. She actively pursues new training and learning opportunities. As a result, RaDonna serves as a great resource for others.

RaDonna actively sits as the secretary on the board of the No Excuses Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization, dedicated to job readiness training, criminal justice education, advocacy, and charitable services. RaDonna has engaged the needs of the community by hosting community events such Community Harvest Dinners, Community Summer Fests, assisted with Back-To-School Bookbag Supply Drives, and On-the-Spot Homeless Food Provision Services.

As a candidate, RaDonna has a personal interest in preserving and improving the quality of Community Consolidated School District 168. Her efforts as a board member would center on serving all children in the community; one child is no more important than another. Sauk Village is a diverse community and deserves board members who celebrate that diversity by catering educational needs that serve the all children of the community.

As a school board member, RaDonna pledges to advocate for every child's overall educational experience. She plans to engage and inform students, families, staff and the community. RaDonna will make sound decisions based upon sound data, all while building strong partnerships with board counterparts.

RaDonna will engage the community and allocate resources according to the needs. She kindly requests your support in her efforts to become the new voice on the Community Consolidated School District 168 School Board. Stay tuned for more candidate profiles.

MEET RaDONNA BROWN- Candidate for District 168 School Board

RaDonna Brown is running for School Board in Sauk Village's School District 168.   This information was provided by the candidate for this profile. This is not an endorsement for RaDonna, but we want to take this opportunity to showcase a series of candidates running in School District 168 to help educate residents of Sauk Village.  School Board members serve without compensation and are supposed to be the watchdogs for your tax dollars and for the success of Sauk Village's Schools!  We hope you familiarize yourself with these candidates showcased in this 4 part series.  GOOD LUCK RaDONNA:

RaDonna Brown, MS an 11 year resident of Sauk Village, Illinois and mother of 2 children of District 168. For the past 10 years, RaDonna has owned and operated a state licensed home daycare.  She provides a fun, safe, reliable, and nurturing environment for children of working families of the community.  By night RaDonna provides home care services through Ingalls Private Duty for children with disabilities. If anyone knows RaDonna, they will undeniably know that she has a passion for children.

RaDonna recognizes the importance of education and often encourages others.  She received her undergraduate degree in 2006 (BOG/Early Childhood Education) from Chicago State University and her graduate degree in 2014 (Human Behavior) from Capella University.  Throughout the years RaDonna has earned many credentials and certifications from the Illinois Department of Human Services which includes Infant and Toddler Specialist LV2 and Early Childhood Educator LV2.  She actively pursue new trainings, and learning opportunities, as a result, RaDonna, serves as a great resource for others.

As a candidate, RaDonna has a personal interest in preserving and improving the quality of Community Consolidated School District 168. Her efforts as a board member would center on serving all of the children in the community; one child is no more important than another. We are a diverse community and have to celebrate that diversity. Our schools are here to serve the educational needs of all the children of the community. With that being said RaDonna seek to engage the community and allocate resources according to the needs. She kindly request your support in her efforts to become the new voice on the Community Consolidated School District 168 School Board.  RaDONNA BROWN Punch #179.

NO STUDENT GOVERNMENT DAY... NO MORE WILLIAMS DUO

Trustee Rosie Williams reading during a Village Board
Meeting on Tuesday, January 26 th night as a fellow
Trustee is speaking

OPINION EDITORIAL
SAUK VILLAGER STAFF

Let’s recap this last couple weeks shall we.  Let’s look at the pattern of arrogance and entitlement and you can be the judge.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016:          CONFUSION & ACCUSATIONS… Village Trustees Ed Myers and Rosie Williams engage in a debate on students of District 168 and how atrocious their reading skills are during Student Government Day in the past.  Rosie Williams even goes as far as to say that she believes teachers of District 168 might be helping students write their essays.

Monday, January 25, 2016:          ACCUSATION & DISRESPECT… School District 168 holds their regular school board meeting, Village Clerk Debbie Williams attends and has a meltdown.  Williams accuses students and teachers of academic plagiarism to get selected for Student Government Day.  Williams disrespected the entire School Board by storming out of the meeting but not before saying “I don’t have to sit here and listen to this shit…”.  Village Trustee Ed Myers apologizes for Williams disrespectful actions and for his comments made Tuesday.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016:          DISRESPECT… School Board President Philip Bazile is disrespected by Mayor David Hanks as he attends a Village Board meeting and Hanks does not allow Bazile to address the Village Board.

Wednesday, Januay 27, 2016:    DISRESPECT… School Board President Bazile calls a special Meeting for Friday to discuss the relationship between the Village and School District.

Friday, January 29, 2016:               APPROPRIATE ACTION! Village Clerk Debbie Williams, Trustee Rosie Williams and a handful of their supporters attend the School Board’s Special Meeting.  School Board members Bazile, Marva Campbell-Pruitt, Sharon Davenport, Tammy Jones, Jimo Kasali and Deloris Green agree that School District 168 will not participate in Student Government Day.  The sister to the Mayor David Hanks, Mary (Hanks) Howard is the only one to disagree and wanted the district to participate.

The time for change is now!  Trustee Rosie Williams, and by extension her mama Village Clerk Debbie Williams have ruled Student Government Day for 10 long years now.  The Mayor and Trustees are often scolded before Student Government Day to behave themselves.  Why do grown adults need to be disrespected and told that they need to behave?  Seems like the child telling her parents what they need to do!

It’s time for change now!  Rosie Williams and her mama Debbie Williams need to be replaced so that new ideas, new concepts a new direction for Student Government Day can evolve!  As the School Board said Friday night new guidelines need to be established and work between the two body’s Intergovernmental Relation Committees needs to happen!   I believe one nonstarter is to have the Williams duo heading up any future Student Government Day events!

SCHOOL BOARD WILL HAVE NEW FACES

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  Lost in the shadows of the Village Trustees election Tuesday night was School District 168 Board race.  There were 4 seats up for grabs Tuesday night and at stake control of the School Board, which appears by the results of this election will certainly change.

Marva Campbell-Pruitt, who ran unsuccessfully for Village Clerk in 2013 has come back strong with a decisive victory Tuesday night over challenger Latonya West.  West was supported by incumbent Board President Sharon Davenport and her Team Davenport.  Campbell-Pruitt will replace Maxine Towers, wife of former Mayor Lewis Towers, who did not seek election and was appointed as an interim appointment following the abrupt resignation of Melvin Stevenson this past November. 

Davenport herself was successful in her re-elected to a second term Tuesday night, but is not likely going hold on to the Presidency following the School Board’s reorganization.  Current Board Vice President Tammy Jones won re-election garnering the most votes in which only some 620 votes were cast as many just came to the polls to vote for Village Trustee. 

The third four-year seat was apparently lost by incumbent Sene Garrett to newcomer Philip Bazile by just a small 13 vote margin.  There were about 11 absentee ballots and a few provisional ballots that will take the Cook County Clerk’s office some time to sort through before official results are posted. 

It’s likely that both Davenport and Jones will not retain the office of President and Vice President.  “It doesn’t matter, it’s always been about the children of the district and that’s what matters most” Davenport said late Tuesday night.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of School District 168.  I wish the School Board members good luck” Garrett said.

Unofficial Election Results

4 Year Term (3 Elected)
Sharon Davenport (i)     357*
Tammy Jones (i)               377*
Sene Garrett (i)                 303
Philip Bazile                        316
Sandra Isom                       296

2 Year Term (elect 1)

Latonya West                    247
Marva Campbell-Pruitt 376*

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES - Meet Sandra Isom

(This is the 7th, and final, in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Ms Isom submitted her profile late through School Board Member Deloris Green.  While we did give each of the candidates a deadline, I felt that each should have an opportunity to be seen and weighted by the Voters of Sauk Village.  Out of courtesy I will repost Latonya West's profile Sunday as she submitted her biographical information after we ran her original post on Sunday.)

SANDRA ISOM 
Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member


EDITOR'S NOTE:
This is Sandra's first electoral run, she has never held public office.  Isom, Bazile and Campbell-Pruitt successfully fought off a voter's challenge to their petitions early on during the campaign.  A Cook County Electoral Board ruled that they will be on the ballot.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate no EDITS were made to their content.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own)

My name is Sandra Isom I have been a concerned resident of Sauk Village since the year of 2000.  My heart beats for the welfare of our children and community. I am a proud mother of six outstanding children.  They are graduates of Rickover and Bloom Trail High.  I am very well familiarized with the everyday plights and concerns of the children and parents. As far as policies, rules, regulations are concerned. I have ten years of experience in the area of underwriting.  I believe that makes me a prime candidate for the district 168. My vision is to implement policies and regulations to better equip and assist the school system. I am a former First lady of Full Gospel Holy Temple church in Chicago.  Was the overseer of the outreach ministry, assisting the downtrodden and broken people in the community. Currently I am an active member and Sunday school teacher at Holy Praise Tabernacle Church. Under the honorary leadership of Pastor John G. Pitts., and Beverly Pitts.

My goals are:

·         To ensure that others have a voice in making educational and administrative decisions.

·         To be a conduit for the concerns and interests of the teachers and parents.

·         To create stronger ties between the School Board and community.
·         Personal interests in improving the quality of our school system.

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES - Meet Tammy N. Jones

(This is the 4th in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Some did, some did not.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.)

TAMMY N. JONES
Candidate for:  4 Year Board Member


EDITOR'S NOTE:
Tammy N. Jones has been an active member of the community previously having been elected to School District 168 School Board in 2011 where she serves as Board Vice President since 2013. 

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own):

Tammy N Jones is a proud alumnus of Thornton Township and obtained her Associate’s degree from Lincoln Junior College in Normal, Illinois. Tammy has worked for several companies including TRC Secretarial Services, Hysan, and Arthur Andersen.

In 1997 Tammy married Derrick Jones and their family relocated to Sauk Village in 2002. This move was Tammy’s most rewarding career change; she became a House Wife and stay at home mom, allowing her to be active in the community while participating in her children's educational and social development. Her daughter Darian is a home grown product of CCSD 168 and is currently excelling at Bloom Trail. Tammy’s son Tyler is a sixth grader at Rickover Junior High. Since moving to Sauk Village Tammy has dedicated eight years to the Trails End Girl Scout Association as a troop leader and a Service Unit Manager; three years to Boy Scout Pack 152; three years to the Sauk Village Sports Association, and several years of selfless volunteer work at CEDA Head Start.  All in addition to her continuous dedication to CCSD 168.

Tammy has been a Board Member in CCSD 168 for four years. Her current duties include holding the position of Vice President, S.P.E.E.D representative and Chairperson of the Policy Committee to name a few. Over the past four years Tammy has worked with three different Superintendents and several different board members however, her focus has remained the same; what is the best for the District; its students, employees, and you, the tax payers.

Since Tammy was elected in 2011, all students receive free lunch and are now eating in the cafeteria instead of the classroom ensuring a cleaner and safer learning atmosphere. Additionally, the uniform has been relaxed, allowing the focus to remain on education and not on what the children are wearing. Safer drinking water for all students and staff has been instituted. Several computer carts have been added to all schools to ensure students are being exposed to the technological world that we have evolved into. The substructure has been updated to ensure that they are ready for the new assessment tests that are aligned with Common Core Curriculum.  The Policy manual and student handbook are now aligned.

The Board has received its first ever good Governance award. Tammy’s hope is that with your support she will be reelected to continue the necessary work of Governing through policy to develop a financially stable District that nurtures students into social, emotional and academically well rounded citizens.

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES Meet Marva Campbell-Pruitt

(This is the second in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  Some did, some did not.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.)

MARVA CAMPBELL-PRUITT
Candidate for:  2 Year Board Member

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Marva Campbell-Pruitt has been an active member of the community previously serving as chairman of the Sauk Village Human Relations Commission, Chairman of the Sauk Village Beautification Committee and Chairman of the Lincoln Highway Mural Project and other local projects.  Campbell-Pruitt ran in 2013 for Village Clerk.

THE FOLLOWING IS THE CANDIDATE'S PROFILE. (Note:  This information was provided by the candidate.  We do not endorse or necessarily agree with the views of the candidate which are their own):

 

Leadership, Not Politics!  I am honored to be a candidate to fill a two-year vacancy on the School Board for District 168, the elementary school district in Sauk Village, the Village in which I reside.  I have been approached to fill two vacancies in 2014.  The first was to have been an appointed position, and now this one, to actually run as a candidate to fill a two-year vacancy resulting from the untimely resignation of previous Board Member.

Most who know me, can attest that NO is not in my vocabulary when called upon to assist in any avenue where there is a need.  Fortunately, in this sphere, I have been called upon to utilize my expansive knowledge as a former educator; principal; Illinois State Board of Education approved facility/school superintendent and former Board Member for the Illinois Department of Corrections School Board.  By “Caring for the Community,” I am answering the call!

Marva Campbell-Pruitt has demonstrated leadership within the Village, as residents joined in creating a successful Community Garden program, and conducted weekly gardening sessions with a youth summer program.  She volunteered with Parks and Recreation activities where she dedicated herself to insuring that the 2013 Summer Work Program was a roaring success as she led a team of youth in cleanup activities throughout the Village.  She served on the Fire Departments Pancake Breakfast committee and cooked up delectable eggs, hosted the Village’s first and subsequent Movies in the Park activities.  Marva served as chairperson of the Illinois Lincoln Highway Mural Project that brought an historical landmark mural to the Village that was later used for the 2012-2013 vehicle stickers ( the mural is located on the side of Fairway Foods on Sauk Trail at Torrence.  Along with the Beautification Committee, under her leadership, the committee brought back the Hootsie Awards, hosted Annual Clean Green and Preen Weeks, and instituted Community Yard Sales.  The Human Relations Commission, under the leadership of one of the Commissioners, started a Youth Leadership Program for students, in partnership with the staff of Rickover Elementary School. 

Most recently, Marva serves on the School District’s Education Advisory Council and the Intergovernmental Committee.  She led her Sorority in its second year celebration of an International World Water Day at Our Daily Bread Food Pantry as we distributed 90 cases of water and information on water and energy conservation.  Her church, Grace United Church of Christ, orchestrated the original, “Sharing the Warmth” program whereby we adopted a classroom in each of the three schools in CCSD 168 to donate brand new coats.  One school asked that we provide uniforms as well.  We met that need.  Marva Campbell-Pruitt’s public service history is rich with professionalism, acts of volunteerism and proven community service.

With heartfelt dedication, Marva promises to utilize her educational expertise, previous experience as a school board member and involvement on the Illinois State Advisory Council to:

• Set the vision and goals of the school district;
• Adopt policies that provide the school district direction to establish priorities and meet its goals;
• Assure fiscal integrity;
• Encourage and increase the number of educational personnel who seek national teaching certification;
• Improve student achievement;
• Develop a definitive policy on anti-bullying by developing focused programs on character education;
• Collaborate with committees within the Sauk Village Board to increase student involvement in community events;
• Encourage student participation in varying educational and developmental programs (i.e. Junior Achievement, 4-H Clubs, ACTSO, Special Olympics, etc.); and
• Create pathways to increase the number of students with special needs who are currently placed out of district so that they will be served and taught in their home schools.

I truly believe that residents’ vote for me to the two-year seat will produce great dividends for the school district and set it upon a path of greater progress as I humbly believe that Our Children, Taxpayers and School Staff Deserves The Best!

KNOW YOUR CANDIDATES- Meet Latonya West

(This is the was the first in a series of profiles for candidates for School District 168.  All candidates were asked to submit their own profile and a photo.  We will provide you a look at each candidate during this week.  Ms West submitted hers after we ran her original profile and as a courtesy we have included her profile for the voters)

LATONYA WEST
Candidate for 2 year Board Member

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Ms West was the only candidate who submitted her resume and letter of interest for appointment to replace former Board Secretary Melvin Stevenson who resigned in November, 2014.  Board members Jimo Kasali, Deloris Green and Mary Howard blocked her for consideration, and in violation of established Board policy refused her a proper interview.  Since the Board did not appoint a replacement candidate in the time allowed by law, the appointment went to Vanessa Kinder the Executive Director of South Cook Regional Education.  As a result Ms West was passed over in favor of former Board Member Maxine Towers, wife of the former Mayor Lewis Towers.  Towers was officially appointed in January.

Latonya West and her husband Vernon moved the family to Sauk Village in 2006. They have six children with two former graduates and two currently attending Rickover Jr. High School. Latonya has been an advocate for Sauk Village advancement since 2006. She has actively participated throughout the community on initiatives directly affecting education, growth and the well-being of Sauk Village residents.

Latonya graduated from Governors State University with a Bachelor Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Health Science with emphases in Addiction Studies, Behavioral Health, Child Welfare and Community Program Design.  While employed at Kennedy King College she assisted with the advisement of students, providing financial aid counseling and support to students experiencing family, personal and economic crises. Latonya has over ten years of experience in financial planning, management, implementing learning and social skill development.

Latonya has been involved in numerous educational and community driven projects including Sauk Village Business Revenue initiative and the petition drive to place the Lake Michigan Water initiative on the ballot. She has also worked on Mayoral, State Representative and federal electoral campaigns. Latonya continues to collaborate with teachers regarding the educational needs of our children and to stay updated on things that can improve the educational experiences of students attending district 168.

Latonya is focused on enhancing student’s academic achievement and increasing district 168 yearly student progress specifications for testing to receive full federal educational opportunities.  Working towards raising the academic levels of all students, obtaining more funding for after school programs, endorsing a stronger curriculum implementation plan and increasing parental involvement in educational affairs in order to get our students on the academic level needed to exceed new state standards. 

“It is so important that our students exceed state assessment expectation levels during Jr. High especially coming out of 8^th grade.  Students need to be better prepared to take the SAT/ACT exams.  High SAT/ACT scores is the key to getting into good colleges. If elected I will work hard and diligently to do all that I can within board policy, state and federal laws to assist board members in achieving academic goals and success for all students. Building on the diversity of our children the soon to be leaders with additional programs that will enhance both the competitive and creativity levels of our students.  I will also dedicate my term to bridging the gap between the community and education. It is so important that our voices be heard and our children’s achievements receive recognition. A Good Education is Priceless! Be a part of the decision making and support the best interest of the children.”

 Latonya is currently seeking election to the position of School Board Member (2 year Term) for Community Consolidated School District 168 at the Election on April 7 2015.  “Vote for Latonya West” Punch # 101

CONTROVERSIAL VOTE AND A RESIGNATION! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES...

Aisha El-Amin, Ed.D.
School Board Member D#168

OPINION EDITORIAL
By Joseph Wiszowaty

The phrase “cut and run” sounded good in the political debate of the 2004 re-election of George Bush.  Something that reminded me of the phrase were the events of this last week when Aisha El-Amin resigned her seat on the Board of Education for District 168.

First let me say School District is solvent, no thanks to the efforts of El-Amin, after all they were solvent before she got there.  This was truly attributed to the efforts of Dr. Rudy Williams and continued under Al Travaglini and the board under Arleta Bazile, Suzzanne Arnold and Sharon Davenport.  Balancing the budget, well we’ll see what Leak can do with that!

So how did I draw the comparison of cut and run with El-Amin?  Well consider the fact that El-Amin was a staunch supporter of Dr. Donna Simpson-Leak the incoming Superintendent of Schools and was in fact a “swing” vote in the split 4 to 3 decision.  El-Amin stated she was “enthusiastic to have Leak as head of the school district” according to published reports.  I don’t know Dr. Leak, I look forward to getting to know her better and seeing what she’s got, but the controversy surrounding her previous employer just smells of Henrietta Turner and Robert Fox.

El-Amin allied herself with board members Jimmo Kasali, Mary (Hanks) Howard and Delores Green to vote for Leak’s contract.  Let’s face it folks, anyone who has been to a School Board meeting knows Kasali seems to have been out in right field in the sun all day.  He rambles on and on about whatever his mind seems to want to discuss.  Anyone who would ally themselves with Kasali is worthy of serious examination!  Taxpayers, residents and all should be asking these individuals some serious questions on where their minds are?

El-Amin has been rumored to be moving from Sauk Village for months now according to some close to her, so her resignation came to me as no big surprise. 

What El-Amin has left the taxpayers with is the legacy of a split board of education and a controversial vote for a Superintendent of Schools for the next two years.

Sauk Village is no stranger to controversy!  If people remember, the late former School Board President Patricia Hasse said in November, 1989 that one of the best things she did while she served on the School Board was to hire the disgraced School Superintendent of School Thomas Ryan.  One person voted against him, Marion Rauner!  In the end who was on the right side of history?  In the end, some may soon forget El-Amin making the controversial vote and resigning quickly after, but history will never forget… thanks for the memories!

I called Dr. Leak to welcome her to her new job on what was to be her first day May 27^th… she hadn’t made it in for her first day of work yet.  That was at 2pm! 

4 TO 3 VOTE HIRES CONTROVERSIAL SUPERINTENDENT

Dr. Donna Simpson-Leak
Sauk Village's new Superintendent of Schools

By Joseph Wiszowaty
SAUK VILLAGE |  School District 168 School Board approved hiring the controversial candidate for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donna Simpson-Leak to replace retiring Superintendent Al Travaglini.  Travaglini took over as Superintendent in 2011.

The vote to hire Leak was 4 to 3 voting yes were Mary Howard sister to Sauk Village Mayor David Hanks, Aisa El-Amin, Deloris Green and Jimo Kasali and voting no were School Board President Sharon Davenport, Tammy Jones and Melvin Stevenson.

The fact that Leak is a woman didn’t matter to a school board dominated by women.  “It’s not about gender, it’s about what’s best for the children, and it’s about the chemistry of the staff” Davenport said of her NO vote of Leak as Superintendent.  “The most important thing that we (the school board) can do is hire a Superintendent.  As a board, out of all the people we had to choose from, I feel like we should have been able to have more of a consensus on a candidate for the position” Davenport said.  Davenport pledged to work with the incoming Superintendent and respects the decision of the Board.

The $800,000 lawsuit filed by Leak against her former employer, Rich Township School District 227 did not weigh on their decision to vote yes according to Green.  “The lawsuit has not been settled yet.  I read about some of what they accused her of it did not happen” Green said following the board meeting.   “I feel good about my decision” Green said.  As for the board’s split decision Green said “I think it says we’re individuals and we vote our conscience”.

Long-time resident Rose Langston, who attended Monday night’s meeting doesn’t feel that Leak was the right decision.  “I think she is carrying too much baggage” Langston said.  “I wish her well and hope we don’t run into the same problems we had before” Langston said referring to the scandal of former imprisoned Superintendent Thomas Ryan.  Several residents who attended did not speak out but were not happy with the board’s decision, one long-time resident saying as he left the building “this summed up their sorry political career by voting yes for her (Leak)”.

Leak will transition into the position starting May 27^th until June 30^th and receive $693.87 per day and will work 10 days during this period according to her employment agreement.  Her employment agreement is for a two year period.  Leak will be paid $170,000 per year, only $1,000 less than Travaglini.  She will receive retirement contributions into the State’s retirement fund;  $500 per month in “expenses”;  $200,000 in paid life insurance;  100% paid health insurance benefits for herself and her family in addition $1,500 per month in any health related expenses; paid long-term disability;  $15,000 per year paid by the district into a 403(b);  20 paid vacation days commencing on day one;  15 sick days; $400 per month auto allowance; plus a paid cell phone and other expense reimbursements.

“I feel honored and privileged to be working in Sauk Village” Leak said following the meeting.  As for the split decision of the Board “I am going to continue the great things that he (Travaglini) has had going, but we have a lot of changes in education coming down the pike” Leaks said.  As far as staff changes Leak has no immediate plans “we have to look at budgets and really roll my sleeves up and get a look at it.  Al and I have some transition time so we’ll look at it” Leak said.

DISTRICT 168 MAY HIRE CONTROVERSIAL SUPERINTENDENT

Donna Simpson-Leak

By Joseph Wiszowaty

SAUK VILLAGE |  Community Consolidated School District #168 has been searching for a new Superintendent of School since Al Travaglini announced his retirement last year and apparently the search maybe over.  There were numerous applicants and 2 finalists.

 

The Board members are apparently split in their decision over a controversial candidate Dr. Donna Simpson-Leak the former Superintendent of Schools for Rich Township School District 227.  The Rich Township school board fired Simpson-Leak in June, 2013 by a 4-3 vote citing "gross improprieties in the process of student expulsions" and allegedly locking a school board member out of a meeting, according to a published newspaper report.   Leak is suing the Rich Township district for alleged civil conspiracy, breach of contract and infliction of emotional distress, seeking $800,000 in damages.

 

According to Cook County Circuit Court records, Simpson-Leak had hired in her suit against Rich Township the same legal team as the former temporary Chief of Police Robert Fox had that sued Sauk Village,  Ancel Glink Diamond Murphy & Cope, a powerhouse law firm in the State of Illinois.  The firm has, however, since withdrawn from the case as of April 8^th of this year according to court documents.

 

Sauk Village was the center of controversy statewide and in the news media when the former criminal Superintendent of School Thomas Ryan ripped the district off of cash while he ran the district like a dictator with a puppet School Board.  Ryan pled guilty and served time in prison for what prosecutors said was "stealing kids milk money".

 

Simpson-Leak, of Flossmoor, was a finalist for the Superintendent position for Kankakee School District 111 in January of this year, however, she lost out to another candidate for the position.  Simpson-Leak lost out most recently for a position in Crete Monee School District to an out of state candidate.

 

Village residents may remember when the Sauk Village Board took a chance on a “controversial” hiring pick, Henrietta Turner, for Village Manager in 2011.  Turner was suing her former employer, Country Club Hills following her dismissal and ended up suing the Village of Sauk Village as well. 

 

“I do not have and cannot comment at this time” Sharon Davenport, Board President said.  “The board will take formal action on the matter Monday, April 28^th at the meeting at 6pm” Davenport said.

 

Attempts to reach School Board Member Mary Howard for comment were unsuccessful.  School Board Vice President Tammy Jones could not comment beyond saying "please come to the board meeting on Monday night that is when action would be taken" Jones said.  Board Member Deloris Green had no comment on the matter.  Calls to Board Secretary Melvin Stevenson not returned at the time of publication.

Retiring Superintendent of Schools Al Travaglini echoed Davenport.  “At the Board’s request, I was instructed not to comment on any questions regarding the selection of the next Superintendent of Schools.  The Board will announce their selection April 28^th, which is a regular meeting” Travaglini said.

 

HELPFUL LINKS: 

 FORMER SUPERINTENDENT SUES DISTRICT

 

VIDEO:  SD227 DISMISSES SUPERINTENDENT LEAK

 

KANKAKEE SUPT SEARCH

 

SUPERINTENDENT PLANS LEGAL ACTION