Teachers upset with Dist. 33 over hirings
By Jake Griffin Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted February 20, 2004
http://www.dailyherald.com/dupage/main_story.asp?intID=3803752

Some West Chicago teachers are upset with the way two new administrators were hired.

Several teachers and union leaders submitted letters to the West Chicago Elementary District 33 school board Thursday voicing their concerns over the process by which the district hired the new principal and assistant principal at West Chicago Junior High.

"It's not about the person; it's about the procedure," said Mary Beth Cooney, teachers union co-president. "The process in the past has always been an interview committee that included both teachers and parents."

The teachers' complaint is that officials didn't seek teacher and parent input before the school board recently named Patricia Roszkowski the junior high's new principal and Julio Del Real assistant principal.

Both administrators are already employed by the district. Roszkowski was the runner-up for the same job a year ago.

Board member Robert Lemon also objected to the procedure when the new administrators were hired Feb. 5.

Superintendent Jon Mink said he understands the teachers' concerns but said there were "special circumstances" in this case. He did not elaborate.

"Internal people we can promote and keep within our district we think is an advantage," Mink said. "Every time we've had an (administrative) position open, we have had the process involving teachers, and this is the one time it didn't. ... It was special circumstances that we felt we needed to act fast."

The tempest threatens to have an impact on current teacher contract negotiations. The staff agreed earlier to forgo raises this year, which district officials credit with helping pass a $3 million tax increase. The teacher contract will expire at the end of the school year.

The union's letter said teachers only are considered "part of the team" when it suits administrators.

"We showed our loyalty during difficult times," the letter reads. "We are convinced that we are strongest, and can give the best to students, when we work together."

Lemon also objected to the process because it didn't follow protocol. He said he didn't know the teachers were also upset.

"In the selection of other principals, you can find examples of members of the community and teachers to help narrow down the selection," Lemon said. "That was what was missing."

He said he struggled with his decisions to vote against the two hirings, especially since Del Real is a former student whom he admires. Lemon formerly taught at West Chicago's Community High School.

"I was not at all comfortable with voting against that young man," Lemon said. "I wanted input from the teachers and community. Those are things that are valuable to me."

Mink said the board was within its right to name the two administrators without a selection process, and added Roszkowski went through the same process a year ago and finished second to outgoing Principal Daniel Sullivan. No reason was given for Sullivan's departure after one year on the job.

"Not every time needs the same process and procedure," Mink said. "I understand why they're upset, but we think we acted in the best interest of the district."