The “Public Comment” section during Wednesday (Oct 22) evening’s Danville District 118 Board meeting included a parent, April Perkins, saying her 2nd and 3rd grade boys were severely bullied at Mark Denman School, and that after filing a complaint she received a downplaying of the whole incident notice, several months later. She stated to the board that they seemed only interested in “protecting an image,” and spoke with CIMG shortly afterwards.
AUDIO: I don’t trust this administration. I don’t trust this school system. It’s just too much. And it’s like when you express yourself; when you try to advocate for your kids, you get shut down. I shouldn’t have to home school my children, but it’s necessary right now.
Superintendent John Hart told CIMG after the meeting that he’d be getting together with Principal Sollars at Mark Denman to review the situation, and reach out to the family.
(1st Picture) Parent April Perkins addresses bullying problems her sons faced at Mark Denman School. (3rd Picture) Narcissus Rankin gives her take on the issue of her job performance prior to dismissal by the 118 Board.
Earlier during “Public Comment” Narcissus Rankin took to the podium, shortly before the school board voted to dismiss her from the District 118 Director of Business position. Rankin claimed that; one, her dismissal was retaliatory for her relationship with previous superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis; and two, the things the district told her in a letter that she had done wrong were not emphasized adequately to her beforehand.
AUDIO: I asked a question of Mr. Hart after the May 23rd meeting, when the board announced that they were auditing the finance department. I’m surprised about the way they handled it. I would have addressed those concerns, which is what I did today.
After the meeting, Superintendent John Hart stated, with apologies, that he will not comment on personnel matters; and that it is still to be determined when the Director of Business position will be filled.
In other District 118 Board meeting news, a new Custodial Collective Bargaining Agreement was approved with International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 399. But John Hart acknowledged there is more work to be done; especially after Danville Education Association president Alan Rivers spoke during “Public Comment” after teachers’ health insurance rates being set to go up 28% next year. Hart says although the DEA is not up for a new contract, the board can certainly do what Rivers asked and try to find the teachers some help with this issue.
AUDIO: Any help that they could get, that’s what they’re asking for from the board. (And, that can be done?) Yes, that can be done. And it’s been done in the past.
The next District 118 School Board meeting is November 19th.
