Despite opposition, District 203 board renews superintendent’s contract

Naperville Unit District 203 school board members voted 5-2 Monday to renew Superintendent Dan Bridges’ contract through June 30, 2031, over the objections of several parents who said the district lacks transparency and communication.

Renewal of the contract comes amid concerns raised by a set of parents over multiple board meetings this summer regarding an elementary school teacher who the parents claim engaged in inappropriate behavior with their child.

The parents, David and Jessica Geslak, said the teacher crossed the lines of what is acceptable behavior and that it has been an issue for more than 2½ years.

Last month, the parents told the school board the teacher growled and blew in their child’s ear and put food directly in the mouths of students. They also said the teacher texted them a video of their child and another student from a personal cell phone on a Saturday night.

“Since the July 20 board meeting, my wife and I have heard from numerous district families who share remarkably similar experiences — for over a decade — involving concerns about their children,” David Geslak told the board Monday. “In every case they have the same ending — inadequate response.”

Geslak said they were initially told there was an investigation. They want a review of how the reports were handled and to hold anyone accountable who didn’t follow proper protocol, he said.

Bridges said student safety is the district’s main priority and every report is taken seriously and reviewed. State and federal privacy laws strictly prohibit the district from commenting on specific personnel matters or individual student allegations, he said. Concerns are investigated through established administrative protocols and relevant state agencies, with appropriate action taken based on verified factual evidence, he said.

A Naperville Police Department spokesman said the agency is reviewing allegations raised by a parent who spoke with a school resource officer.

About 40 parents attended Monday’s board meeting, with a handful speaking out against the contract extension. Several said they don’t feel heard.

Parent Eden Bonsonto said families have brought concerns about teacher misconduct to the district but have felt ignored.

“The district response has left many families believing that protecting the institution took priority over protecting our students,” she said.

Parent Kat Stark said families received a notice of the contract extension a few days ago, but it was ambiguous whether it was a done deal. She said the community deserves transparency and open communication.

Stark also cited concerns over plans to implement the Innovative School Day, an administrative proposal to shift the start and end times of the school day and change to block scheduling. The idea failed after parents, students and staff objected.

Other concerns included district finances, deficit spending and tough contract negotiations in which teachers threatened to strike last year.

Bridges said he is committed to making District 203 one of the premier districts, and addressed statements raised by parents in the room.

“I hear you,” Bridges said. “I understand your concerns, and it’ll be my mission and my job to work hard to rebuild or build trust that you deserve.”

Board members who spoke in favor of the contract extension cited several accolades the district has earned, including 12 National Blue Ribbon designations.

“The education our children receive is top-notch by any measure,” board Vice President Kristine Gericke said.

Board member Amanda McMillen said she recognizes the community’s frustrations from teacher negotiations and budget reductions. She said staff has expressed issues with morale.

“I do not dismiss those concerns,” McMillen said. “They are important, and they deserve our attention.”

However, she said Bridges’ overall record of leadership warrants an extension.

Board member Holly Blastic, who joined Melissa Kelley Black in voting against the contract, said she could not support renewing it based on the community’s lack of confidence and trust.

“As a community, we cannot move forward and be successful if our parents (and) our staff are not confident and comfortable in joining collaboratively to move forward,” Blastic said.

Bridges became superintendent in 2011 and previously served as the district’s assistant superintendent for secondary education.

Details of the employment agreement were not available Monday, but are expected to be posted on the district’s website.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.