In a meeting that began with a two hour closed session where shouts could be heard coming from the District 46 Board of Education members, it ended with the results of the investigation by mediator Richard Mittelman regarding charges against Superintendent Ellen Correll.
"The mediator has found that Superintendent Correll did not violate the school code in any of the e-mails cited. She did, however, respond to an e-mail request to have (campaign) signs placed in Douglas Parks yard, and she should not have responded to that request," said Ray Millington, board president.
Prior to the findings being read Wednesday night, Correll apologized for her actions.
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"I'd like to make a statement," said Correll. "I have been involved in education for 34 years, starting as a teacher's assistant. My focus has always been on the children, but for the last three months my focus has not been able to be where it should be. I apologize for my role in any of this. I apologize for responding to an e-mail that I had received from the board president at the time, Mary Garcia. I apologize for not taking the time to consider my actions. I receive 300 e-mails a day and usually respond quickly with a one or two word response. I ask that you please consider the accomplishments of this district. Our programs have grown and improved dramatically, especially in technology. Lynn (Barkley, assistant superintendent) and I are both working two full-time jobs in the district in order to save the district money."
The public apology led right into a description of Mittelman's findings, which led to questions of both Correll and Mittelman.
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Michael Carbone was the first board member to voice his frustration.
"Ellen, why didn't you come to one of us about the e-mail issue? To say you were not involved is hard to believe. Any board member who has been accused should be recused from voting on this," said Carbone.
Board member Shannon Smigielski was the most angered by the findings.
"I'm very, very disappointed in Mittelman's report," said Smigielski. "Who did he talk to? I don't know of one person he spoke to to other than the people being accused. We're paying someone who did not do a complete report."
Acknowledging that he is still getting his feet wet as a board member, Kip Evans said "I've tried to keep an open mind, but no one has even met Mittelman, and I've never even spoken to him on the phone. Maybe we should have him come here so we can ask him questions."
Millington interjected that the report was final and could not be changed. The board members were given three options:
- Accept Mittelman's findings and have his letter of reprimand and report placed in the superintendent's personnel folder.
- Accept Mittelman's findings, have the letter and report placed in the folder, and turn the findings over to the Lake County States Attorney's office.
- Accept Mittelman's findings and request the termination of the superintendent's contract.
Carbone abstained to vote on option 1 and 2. Smigielski and Evans voted "yes" on option 2, but got shot down by Facklam, Weinert, Millington and Surroz. There was an awkward moment of silence as Surroz hesitated before voting "no" on option 2, leading at least a few people wondering if he would break from the ranks.
All the members voted "no" on option 3, demonstrating a level of support for Correll.
In addition to the report on Correll, the board discussed a district transparency policy. Board member Karen Weinert questioned the privacy issues and the necessity of accounting for every dollar spent.
"I think that's totally crossing the line. If this information is so important, why hasn't it been brought up before?" said Weinert. "We don't need to micro-manage the principals and administrators."
The next board meeting will not take place on July 13 as previously scheduled. A new meeting date has not yet been selected.
