frankfort-school-district-161.1

Summit Hill School Board Reverses Controversial Principal Non-Renewal Decision

Spread the love

In a significant reversal, the Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education voted to repeal previous resolutions that aimed to not renew the contract of an unnamed principal, effectively rescinding a controversial administrative decision made just two months prior.

At its June 11 meeting, the board voted 6-1 on two separate motions to “repeal and rescind” actions taken in April. The first motion undid the “Resolution of Intent to Non-Renew Administrative Contract and Reclassify Principal” from April 7, while the second reversed the “Resolution Affirming Reclassification of a Principal” from April 16.

The back-to-back votes signal a decisive change of course by the board regarding a major personnel matter. The original April resolutions would have led to the reclassification or potential departure of a key school leader. The decision to repeal them suggests a shift in the board’s position, though the minutes did not specify what prompted the reversal. Such actions can sometimes follow public feedback, staff input, or further internal review.

The votes were not unanimous. Board member Joy Murphy was the sole “nay” vote on both motions to repeal the previous actions. Board President Amy Berk and members John Winter, Ronnie Petrey, Melissa Ryan, Patrick Oliphant, and Adrian Chavez all voted in favor of the reversal.

The name of the principal and the school they lead were not mentioned in the public meeting minutes, which is common practice for personnel matters. However, the formal reversal of a non-renewal resolution is an uncommon and noteworthy event in school board governance, indicating a resolution to what was likely a contentious issue within the district. The board’s action ensures continuity in leadership at the affected school.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: State rep. appointed circuit judge; Bailey to seek rematch with Pritzker

Illinois quick hits: State rep. appointed circuit judge; Bailey to seek rematch with Pritzker

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square State rep. appointed circuit judge Justice Mary K. O’Brien and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of state Rep....
WATCH: IL governor on photo with wanted suspect: 'No way to vet everybody'

WATCH: IL governor on photo with wanted suspect: ‘No way to vet everybody’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is defending the use of taxpayer dollars for community violence intervention, even after he...

Illinois quick hits: Constitutional amendment would guarantee parental rights

By The Center SquareThe Center Square Constitutional amendment would guarantee parental rights Illinois U.S. Rep. Mary Miller has filed a constitutional amendment to what her office says would permanently establish...

WATCH: Republican leader: says Pritzker budget cut EO a ploy for IL tax increases

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker blames President Donald Trump for ordering Illinois state agencies to find 4% budget cuts....
Judge’s questions during IL gun ban arguments gives rights advocates ‘hope’

Judge’s questions during IL gun ban arguments gives rights advocates ‘hope’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois’ gun ban now in the hands of a three judge panel of the federal appeals...
Illinois agencies to post monthly investment reports, lawmaker calls symbolic

Illinois agencies to post monthly investment reports, lawmaker calls symbolic

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois agencies must now post monthly reports on how taxpayer dollars are invested, a move supporters...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Summit Hill School District 161 for August 13, 2025

The Summit Hill District 161 Board of Education on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, approved a major technology contract and navigated a rare split vote on a new teacher hire. The...
frankfort-school-district-161.2-e1754272831494

Summit Hill 161 Accepts a Dozen Resignations, Approves New Hires

Article Summary: The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education processed a significant number of staff changes, accepting twelve resignations and approving a slate of new hires for the 2025-2026...
summit-hill-junior-high-school-frankfort-161

Summit Hill 161 Approves $48K Tech Upgrade, Board Divided on New Teacher Hire

Article Summary: The Summit Hill District 161 Board of Education approved a five-year, $48,305 agreement for a virtual server upgrade and separately hired a new junior high teacher in a contentious...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Village Board for September 8, 2025

The Frankfort Village Board's meeting on Monday, September 8, 2025, was highlighted by a resident's pointed questions regarding the village's process for exploring a potential switch to Lake Michigan water....
Frankfort Village Board Meeting Graphic

Frankfort Resident Questions Village’s Lake Michigan Water Survey Process

Article Summary: A Frankfort resident publicly questioned the village's handling of a recent water source survey during the village board meeting, arguing it was released with limited research and a...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Public Library District for July 24, 2025

The Frankfort Public Library District board on Thursday, July 24, 2025, addressed a major loan payment error by its bank, paused a planned reading room project due to high costs,...
frankfort illinois library logo graphic.5

Library to Host Naloxone Distribution Box to Combat Opioid Overdoses

Article Summary: The Frankfort Public Library will become a host site for a naloxone distribution box in partnership with the Will County Health Department, making the life-saving opioid overdose reversal...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Fire Protection District for July 15, 2025

The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, considered several significant financial and equipment matters. The board was scheduled to approve a $91,955 purchase of...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners for July 8, 2025

The Frankfort Park District Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, approved a major planning expenditure, authorizing $131,500 for agreements with Design Perspectives. The funds will be used for...