District 128 school board president retires effective immediately

Another big name is out of the picture at Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 with the announced retirement of school board President Jim Batson.

Batson served eight years on the Hawthorn Elementary District 73 school board before being elected to District 128 in 2011. He assumed the president’s spot in 2024.

District 128 families were notified of the retirement via email, which became effective immediately, Wednesday afternoon.

A district news release attributed to the school board followed, but in neither communication was a reason for Batson’s retirement or its timing given. He could not be reached Thursday.

The board in the release extended its gratitude to Batson “for his years of dedicated leadership and commitment to the students, staff and families of District 128.”

Batson was reelected to a four-year term in 2023 that runs until the election in April. The board has 60 days to name a replacement.

“The board remains committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent transition as we continue to serve the best interests of the school district,” the release said.

Board Vice President Mithilesh Kotwal will be named as Batson’s replacement at the school board meeting Monday.

Batson's retirement comes during a tumultuous time, in which the school board and administration has been criticized for how alleged allegations of sexual grooming and other complaints brought by students have been handled.

His announcement follows the shelving of Briant Kelly, associate superintendent, who in late April was placed on leave amid continuing and pointed criticism of the school board and administration. Kelly has worked in various capacities in the district for nearly 26 years.

The district is named in a lawsuit alleging a former special education teacher at Libertyville High School engaged in sexual grooming, assault and abuse of a 15-year-old junior with Down syndrome in the fall semester of 2024.

That has been the point of withering criticism from parents and others who have spoken at recent meetings during the public comment period. Critics have alleged the case was not isolated and that requirements to report suspected child abuse to authorities have been ignored.

Speakers have contended there has long been a toxic culture in District 128 and have called for transparency and accountability.

As is policy on personnel matters, school board members did not respond publicly.