Prospect High School choir director quits over punishment

Prospect High School choir director Ken Whitney admits he broke a rule when he allowed two disciplined choir students to dress for a concert.

But he doesn't think his pay should be docked 20 percent next year. So he is resigning, effective June 6.

"I know this is partly my fault and there are rules, so some reprimand is due," said Whitney, who held the position for three years. "I just don't accept their reprimand."

According to Whitney, he allowed two students who recently violated the school's co-curricular code to dress and attend a choir concert. The students didn't participate in the concert, but according to school code, they weren't supposed to dress for the event.

Whitney takes responsibility for the mistake. He just thinks docking his pay and status was a bit much.

"I know there are things I need to work on, but I also have to feed my family," he said.

In light of Whitney's departure, the school's assistant choir director, Jen Troiano, was promoted to head choir director and the school will now look for a new assistant choir director, said Prospect's principal Kurt Laakso.

Laakso declined to discuss Whitney's reasons for leaving but did say school officials essentially asked him to switch positions with Troiano.

"We did hope Ken would accept our offer but we understand," Laakso said. "We are now putting our faith in Jennifer."

Whitney took the position left vacant by Jason Krigas. Two years ago Krigas was found guilty of engaging in such acts as kissing and fondling a 17-year-old student during the 2003-04 school year. Krigas was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual assault and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Despite having three different directors in less than five years, Prospect's choir program is still one of the best in the area, Laakso said.

"This is an immensely popular program at Prospect and in the community," he said. "We don't look back. "

Jane Winters will have two daughters involved in Prospect's choir next year and agrees with Laakso.

"No one likes change and we'll miss Ken; he brought a fresh perspective," she said. "But Jen is ready to step in and is already doing great things."

Almost 400 students participate in Prospect's choir program, which is the largest in Northwest Suburban High School District 214.