The District 302 Board of Education met on Monday in front of a large audience.  The meeting began with board members identifying Ryan Delahanty and Beth Taylor for their service and commitment of 11 years to the citizens advisory committee.

When public comments were opened, Kaneland High School teacher Brian Willis spoke to the board asking that his varsity softball coaching position be reinstated. Willis was recently released from his coaching position at KHS – he believes – because of a harassment complaint filed by an athlete.  Willis explained that he has been a coach at Kaneland for 10 years and has never been disciplined by administrators. Willis claimed he was not told of a reason for his removal.

“I was not told by high school administration my performance was substandard,” Willis said.

According to Willis, after the investigation there was no basis for the accusations against him.

Parent Molly Cohrs spoke next, supporting Willis.  She spoke of his dedication through his fight with cancer, and his honesty with both athletes and parents. Junior Varsity Coach Andrew Franklin also asked the board to reconsider the release of Willis from his coaching position.

“If we lose him, I am losing a part of my coaching strength,” Franklin said.

Franklin saw the release of Willis as completely unjust and unfair. Junior Varsity Coach Kristin Crawford also endorsed Willis before the board.

During the board meeting, a presentation was given by a representative of the architecture firm in charge of the roof repairs. The presentation was given regarding the Harter Middle School roof repair after hail damage. The contractor is installing a new roof membrane over the existing one. The roof replacement is covered under insurance, however the district will pay a $1,000 deductible and $7,700 in overtime for workers.

Board member Tony Valente was disappointed with how the process and contract was worked out.

“There should have been more thought on the contract. It is costing additional money,” Valente said.

The Annual Staffing Report was given by Dr. Sarah Mumm and Mike Purcell. They covered statistics of the staff in District 302.  Three administrators and 28 certified staff members left the district in the past year, 11 of which left for another teaching job. Valente was concerned that almost 97 percent of the staff is white, while only 82 percent of the students are white.