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District 128 critic raises concerns over perjury cases

Libertyville political activist Tim Anderson is not one to hold his tongue.

So it was no surprise Tuesday when Anderson - a frequent critic of the Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 board of education and administration - appeared in court before Lake County Judge Daniel Shanes to voice his concerns about the perjury cases against a school board member and district employee.

Those concerns revolve around board member Ellen Mauer and board President Pat Groody continuing to serve despite the allegations.

Mauer faces four counts of perjury alleging she made false statements under oath about the collection of nominating petition signatures for the April 4 school board election.

Groody has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but district secretary Denise Zwit faces three counts of perjury stemming from petitions circulated on his behalf.

Anderson said he wanted Shanes or Assistant Lake County State's Attorney Fred Day to suspend Groody and Mauer from the board until after the criminal case is over.

"The issue is that the parties remain in power while this case is adjudicated," Anderson said after court.

Neither the judge or Day took any action at Anderson's behest.

Mauer, 52, who also serves as principal at Spaulding School in Gurnee, and Zwit, 65, who serves as assistant to Superintendent Prentiss Lea, have pleaded not guilty to the perjury charges. Both are out of custody after posting the required 10 percent of their $25,000 bail.

Zwit is due back in court Nov. 1, and Mauer is due back in court Nov. 9.

Ellen Mauer
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