Schools
NL 122 Anti-Bullying Policy Sparks Issue Of Respect Among Board Members
A presentation on anti-bullying forced the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education to reflect on its own behavior.
A discussion about a planned anti-bullying program at the schools in New Lenox District 122 sparked a board discussion about respect amongst board members.
Board Member Maureen Broderick sought to broaden the anti-bullying policy to take into consideration the whole school community—students, teachers, staff and school board members. The program was initially written to focus on students.
However, Broderick said she believed the anti-bullying policy should apply to the entire school community.
Afterward, the board meeting took a sour turn over a disagreement over which board members were eligible to attend the Illinois Association of School Boards conference this fall in Chicago.
Broderick called out Board President Nick DiSandro for having shared in public last month that the district had already spent a significant amount on formal courses for her.
Broderick said she thought his comments were subjective and not necessarily meant for the whole board. Broderick said she was offended by DiSandro's subjectivity as it concerns development for board members. She referred to his attitude as "disrespectful."
DiSandro said he had a right to express his opinion. "You do," he told Broderick.
The conflict over district-paid IASB development courses came to a head when DiSandro pointed out that Broderick wanted to take a course that highlighted the duties and role of the school board president.
"My biggest concern was board members taking classes for a position they don't hold and at the expense of the district," said DiSandro.
The cost of each IASB course is between $200-$300.
After a poll, the board agreed to establish a policy that clearly addresses the issue. Without a policy currently in place, the board agreed that it was Broderick's right to take the course later this fall.
Broderick described the board environment as "dysfunctional" and "sarcastic." She went on saying the board needs to adhere to an anti-bullying policy.
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