Controversial Grayslake D46 consultant quits post
Former Grayslake Elementary District 46 board member Michael Linder, whose engineering consultant contract with the school system came under scrutiny earlier this year, has resigned that position.
No specifics were provided to the public on why Linder quit. His $75,000 deal was set to expire March 23, 2013. He couldn't be reached for comment, and District 46 board President Ray Millington declined to provide details about the resignation Thursday.
"I'm not at liberty to say," Millington said.
Lake County Chief Deputy State's Attorney Daniel Jasica said Thursday that prosecutors are still investigating whether District 46 board members held an illegal closed-door session in 2010 to discuss Linder's potential hiring as a facilities engineering consultant.
At a board meeting Wednesday, Millington praised Linder while announcing his resignation. Linder left his volunteer post as a school board member in November 2010 to become a paid consultant for District 46.
"I'd like to pay a little tribute to Mike Linder, who resigned recently as a consultant for our facilities," Millington said. "You know, Mike contributed a lot to the school district, both as a member of the school board and as president of the school board.
"I think he did a bang-up job helping us move along with what we have to do with our facilities going forward, so I'm going to miss him. Thanks, Mike."
Concern among some board members arose in February after it was discovered Linder signed a two-year deal and not what was believed to be a one-year contract. His contract was approved in a public board vote in February 2011.
Board members addressed Linder's contract and the confusion over its length again in March. The board voted 4-3 to allow him to continue on the two-year deal until March 23, 2013.
Linder, 69, worked his final day April 30, Superintendent Ellen Correll told the school board. She said Linder submitted a resignation letter dated April 17.
Responding to a query by board member Shannon Smigielski, Correll said Linder no longer was being paid a month in advance for his consulting. Correll said Linder has issued a bill for his April services.
Smigielski previously questioned whether there was enough work for Linder to justify his $75,000 contract and asked why payments have been made to Convex Co. instead of in his name. She never received an answer in public.
Elected to the school board in 2007, Linder cited schedule changes when he resigned in November 2010. He is retired from a career of managing large corporate operations.
Linder's consulting in District 46 included overseeing continuing projects districtwide and a 20-year facilities plan, and reviewing and monitoring a budget.
Board member Karen Weinert said at Wednesday's meeting Linder deserved thanks for his efforts on behalf of District 46, which most recently included the solicitation of bids for an air-conditioning project at Grayslake Middle School.
"I, too, think he will be greatly missed," Weinert said.