District 128 board faces backlash over dismissal of superintendent

The Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 school board Monday approved a contract with an interim superintendent but faced pushback on why her predecessor was released after 15 months on the job.

District staff and some community members railed against the decision to dismiss former Superintendent Marc Schaffer, citing his work to calm what had been a tumultuous period during the tenure of previous Superintendent Denise Herrmann.

Teachers union President Dennis Duffy said the board’s actions increased “fear, anxiety, and uncertainty” among staff.

“We ask that you publicly explain your decision to release Dr. Schaffer as soon as possible with as much information possible so there’s a full understanding of that decision,” he said.

To accommodate the large crowd at Monday’s school board meeting, the first since Schaffer was released from his contract Oct. 15, it was moved to the Vernon Hills High School west gym.

Supporters of the ouster contend Schaffer didn’t do enough to address criticism over how school officials handled allegations of sexual grooming and other complaints brought by students.

“There’s a lot wrong here,” said John Hetzel, who has been among a small group of frequent critics accusing the school board and administrators of perpetuating a “culture of collusion and cover-up.”

In a statement at the start of the meeting, board President Mithilesh Kotwal said he knew many attendees had “questions and strong feelings about our decision to change district leadership.”

“We want to hear from you and we are here to listen,” he said. “I also want to be clear that out of respect for Dr. Schaffer and his privacy, we won’t discuss the details of this personnel decision publicly.”

Sharma-Lewis, former Diamond Lake Elementary District 76 superintendent, was designated as Schaffer’s immediate replacement Oct. 15.

On Monday, the school board approved contracts with her as interim superintendent and Kim Boryszewski as human resources administrator. Terms were not immediately available.

Details of a search for a permanent superintendent have not surfaced.

Kotwal, in a message to the community Oct. 15, said additional information would be shared as the board works with Sharma-Lewis on a transition plan and next steps.

mzawislak@dailyherald.com