frankfort-school-district-161.1

Summit Hill School Board Reverses Controversial Principal Non-Renewal Decision

Spread the love

In a significant reversal, the Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education voted to repeal previous resolutions that aimed to not renew the contract of an unnamed principal, effectively rescinding a controversial administrative decision made just two months prior.

At its June 11 meeting, the board voted 6-1 on two separate motions to “repeal and rescind” actions taken in April. The first motion undid the “Resolution of Intent to Non-Renew Administrative Contract and Reclassify Principal” from April 7, while the second reversed the “Resolution Affirming Reclassification of a Principal” from April 16.

The back-to-back votes signal a decisive change of course by the board regarding a major personnel matter. The original April resolutions would have led to the reclassification or potential departure of a key school leader. The decision to repeal them suggests a shift in the board’s position, though the minutes did not specify what prompted the reversal. Such actions can sometimes follow public feedback, staff input, or further internal review.

The votes were not unanimous. Board member Joy Murphy was the sole “nay” vote on both motions to repeal the previous actions. Board President Amy Berk and members John Winter, Ronnie Petrey, Melissa Ryan, Patrick Oliphant, and Adrian Chavez all voted in favor of the reversal.

The name of the principal and the school they lead were not mentioned in the public meeting minutes, which is common practice for personnel matters. However, the formal reversal of a non-renewal resolution is an uncommon and noteworthy event in school board governance, indicating a resolution to what was likely a contentious issue within the district. The board’s action ensures continuity in leadership at the affected school.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

U.S. military strikes another suspected drug boat near Venezuela

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A U.S. military strike on a suspected drug boat off the coast of Venezuela on Tuesday killed six suspected traffickers, the latest in recent weeks...
WATCH: Frustration mounts with Dept. of Corrections 'unseriousness,' 'timeliness problem'

WATCH: Frustration mounts with Dept. of Corrections ‘unseriousness,’ ‘timeliness problem’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections has begun scanning prison inmates’ mail, but lawmakers are not happy with...
Illinois audit commission members worried about ‘ghost’ health care networks

Illinois audit commission members worried about ‘ghost’ health care networks

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Concerns about ghost medical insurance networks and zombie state boards and commissions were raised during a review...
Exclusive: District to repay $3 million to property owners

Exclusive: District to repay $3 million to property owners

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square The National Taxpayers Union Foundation recently secured a major legal victory in Colorado that will result in $3 million in taxpayer reimbursements for certain property...
WATCH: CCTV footage captures attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor

WATCH: CCTV footage captures attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor

By Christen SmithThe Center Square The Dauphin County District Attorney's Office released more than five minutes of CCTV footage that captured Cody Balmer setting fire to Gov. Josh Shapiro's official...
Most Americans say U.S. heading in the wrong direction, poll finds

Most Americans say U.S. heading in the wrong direction, poll finds

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square A new poll shows about 55% of registered voters think the U.S. is headed in the wrong direction, including 74% of Latino voters, a key...
Balmer pleads guilty to attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor

Balmer pleads guilty to attempted murder of Pennsylvania governor

By Christen SmithThe Center Square The man accused of firebombing the Pennsylvania governor’s mansion in Harrisburg pleaded guilty to attempted murder, aggravated arson and terrorism on Tuesday. Cody Balmer also...
Cook County officials warn property tax reform could hurt homeowners

Cook County officials warn property tax reform could hurt homeowners

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are clashing over a Cook County property tax relief plan that restricts the types...
Maine Gov. Janet Mills officially launches U.S. Senate bid

Maine Gov. Janet Mills officially launches U.S. Senate bid

By Chris WadeThe Center Square Maine Gov. Janet Mills formally announced Tuesday that she will seek the Democratic Party's nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins in next year's...
Illinois quick hits: Poll finds mixed reviews for Trump; posthumous medal for Kirk; transit fare increase proposed

Illinois quick hits: Poll finds mixed reviews for Trump; posthumous medal for Kirk; transit fare increase proposed

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Poll finds mixed reviews for Trump President Donald Trump’s economic policies are getting mixed reviews from voters. The Center Square Voters'...
AARP under fire after $9 billion payment from UnitedHealthcare revealed

AARP under fire after $9 billion payment from UnitedHealthcare revealed

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square AARP is facing new scrutiny after disclosures showed it will receive $9 billion from UnitedHealthcare under a restructured deal to market AARP-branded Medicare Advantage plans....
WATCH: Trump: Pritzker should ‘beg;’ Veto Session begins as Madigan reports to prison

WATCH: Trump: Pritzker should ‘beg;’ Veto Session begins as Madigan reports to prison

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Public Health & Safety Committee for October 2, 2025

The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday, October 2, 2025, heard a mix of alarming and encouraging public health news, as officials reported a dramatic 50% drop...
Screenshot 2025-10-10 at 12.05.41 PM

Will County Shapes 2026 Federal Agenda, Prioritizing Health, Housing, and Workforce Funding

Will County Legislative Committee Meeting October 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee on Tuesday began finalizing its 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, formally adopting key priorities that include...

WATCH: Trump: Pritzker should beg for help with public safety in Chicago

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says he doesn’t want to use the Insurrection Act to help with public safety...