Smigielski Resigns From District 46 Board
The board has until April 17 to appoint a replacement, a role that Board Member Karen Weinert has expressed interest in.
The Grayslake District 46 Board voted unanimously Wednesday night to accept the resignation of Board Member Shannon Smigielski, effective March 3.
The board had a lengthy discussion about the issue, which was presented on the agenda as "resignation of board members and appointment of replacement." Board Member Karen Weinert expressed interest in possibly resigning from her seat and being appointed for the remaining two years of Smigielski's term, which expires in April 2015.
Weinert is not seeking reelection next month.
"What makes you interested in it where you could have had an opportunity like all of these other folks that put their name on the ballot to run for office. What changed your mind now?" asked Board Member Michael Carbone.
Weinert said she "had no idea Shannon was going to be resigning. I said it's too bad she wasn't resigning after the election—maybe I could see if I could be appointed."
Citing other board members' concerns, however, Weinert suggested amending the agenda to reflect only Smigielski's resignation and then discussing the appointment issue at the board's next meeting. A vote to amend the agenda ended in a 2-2 vote. The board voted to accept Smigielski's resignation during the "Action Items" portion of the meeting.
The board has until April 17 to appoint a new member, according to a statement received from the board's attorney. Board President Ray Millington read the statement, which, in part, states that the board has no obligation to appoint a candidate who is not elected next month. There are five people seeking four seats.
The statement also explains that the board can appoint a board member whose term is set to expire, but the individual must first resign from his or her current seat, Millington read.
'A Big Loss'
Board members expressed sadness over Smigielski's resignation.
"I found her refreshing," said Board Member Kip Evans, who was elected to the board at the same time as Smigielski. "I'm going to sorely miss her."
"I think it's a big loss," added Carbone.
marilyn
8:17 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
Resignations like this usually have a story behind them, that should be part of this article. Expecially in a district that has had it's share of problems, the people should know what prompted the resignation.
Nightcrawler
9:19 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
Best wishes, Shannon. While I seldom agreed with your stances, I admire your commitment and independence – the latter being something I don't think you got enough credit for. You also fielded one terrific softball squad. Good luck!
HAL E BERGER
9:20 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
Resignations happen. Any board is tough especially when it is unpaid, demands so much time, and people personally attack you for your views. Regardless, and as for Karen Weinert - My personal view is when a wonderful person who served her term(s) is off the board it is time to move on. Don't you really think it is time for someone else "NEW" with new fresh ideas to step up to the plate.
Mrs. Robinson
10:52 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
District 46's own Sarah Palin
Sandra Sims
11:12 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
NO MORE WEINERT. You knew you wouldn't be re-elected, so now you're going to try to get appointed? Forget it. We, the taxpayers of D46 do not want you. Go away.,
Sandra Sims
11:15 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
And I am still waiting for more than the very vague information you previously ran about the new candidates. I want to know, in detail, their financial plans for the district. Can we quit treating every snowflake as a major news event and do some real journalism on the people who will be picking our pockets for the next several years?
Korrina Grom
2:28 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
Hi Sandra! We will definitely be providing more coverage on the race, including detailed candidate questionnaires that have been sent out to all of the candidates.
HelloKitty
11:30 am on Friday, March 8, 2013
Say NO to Karen Weinert !
WorriedParent
1:20 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
They have until 4-17 to appoint someone, wait until after the election (4-9). There are 5 candidates running and there will be 5 spots. Either that or find someone else who is interested or open it up to the public now to be appointed.
Whether legal or not, it is wrong to let a current board member resign just to fill a spot when she didn't feel like running in a campaign, most likely because she knew she would lose.
We need new members, not the same old ones. This is just another example of the current board trying to force their own agenda. Board members are to be elected by the public, not slotted in with behind the scenes decisions.
band mom
2:56 pm on Friday, March 8, 2013
Here's a word for you all UNETHICAL. I don't care if this resign and get reappointed game is legal for Ms. Weinert it is wrong and unethical. D46 BOE for once do something that is honest and above board.
Pete Gardner
7:50 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Mrs. Smigielski, thank you for your service to Grayslake. After reading about your children being threatened I can understand your decision. I appreciated your honesty and effort. You gave ideas and fought for what you believed in. God Bless you and your family. I wish you every success in your future.
Pete
Pete Gardner
8:12 pm on Saturday, March 9, 2013
Remaining board members, appointing Karen Weinert to another seat is in such poor taste. Ray Millington, I read in a different media outlet that you were upset at board members who think this appointment is wrong. You are quoted as saying something like the community wouldn't find this wrong. Sir, I find it a gross abuse of lame ducks. It's shameful that any of you are even considering this. Maybe it isn't illegal but it sure as heck is unethical! Do not appoint Mrs. Weinert to a seat she didn't earn. Do the right thing and choose someone who campaigned and put effort into earning the spot. DO THE RIGHT THING! NO WEINERT!
4GirlsNoBoys
6:06 pm on Monday, March 25, 2013
I am wondering what the current status is of the possible appointment to fill Shannon Smigielski’s seat for 2 years. I see from the D46 website that they are seeking letters of interest from the community, which must be received by April 4th. Does that mean that Karen Weinert isn’t being considered? (Hopefully so.) Or will she still be in the running? (Please, no.) I regret that I missed the last BOE meeting on March 20th. Please provide an update.
Korrina Grom, would you please provide an update?
4GirlsNoBoys
6:12 pm on Monday, March 25, 2013
It is a true loss that the community no longer has Shannon Smigielski on the BOE. We are thankful that we had her for the last two years. Thank you for your service, Shannon. I believe we lost an excellent advocate for students, parents and taxpayers. At least we still have Kip Evans. We’ll see what the future holds after the election – which is a big concern.
I agree with the others who definitely don’t want Karen Weinert on the Board any longer! We know what we’ll get from her. Let her walk away when her term ends -- even more so when she admitted that she didn’t want to campaign. Next!