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

Federal services to slowly recover following end of government shutdown

Federal services to slowly recover following end of government shutdown

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square With the longest government shutdown in history finally over, federal agencies are slowly bringing affected services back online and hoping to resume normal operations by...
IL congressman pushes military to accept CLT, experts say it could shape education

IL congressman pushes military to accept CLT, experts say it could shape education

By Catrina Barker contributiorThe Center Square An Illinois congressman is pushing to expand testing options at U.S. service academies, a move experts say could revive academic rigor and expand access...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

New Lenox Solar Farm Gains County Committee Approval with Conditions

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: A 63-acre commercial solar energy facility on Spencer Road in New Lenox Township received a key endorsement...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.1

Committee Approves Frankfort Township Gaming Bar on Split Vote

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: Despite an objection from Frankfort Township, a proposed video gaming bar on West St. Francis Road is...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.3

Crete Township Senior Group Home Gets Unanimous Committee Support

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: A proposal to convert a single-family home in Crete Township into a shared living facility for up...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.4

Beecher-Area Rezoning and Variances Approved to Legalize Structure

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved a rezoning and two variances for a property...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.2

Committee Approves Wilton Township Land Division Despite Spot Zoning Concerns

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee approved a request to rezone a 1.75-acre parcel in...
MS-13 members prosecuted nationwide for brutal murders, fentanyl trafficking

MS-13 members prosecuted nationwide for brutal murders, fentanyl trafficking

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Federal, state and local law enforcement officers continue to target Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) U.S.-Salvadoran transnational gang members nationwide. MS-13 was designated as a foreign terrorist...
Illinois, Chicago residents rank high taxes as state’s top issue

Illinois, Chicago residents rank high taxes as state’s top issue

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With the state now losing a resident to another state every nine minutes and more than...
Jan. 6 panel cost twice previous estimates, hiring TV producers to dramatize attack

Jan. 6 panel cost twice previous estimates, hiring TV producers to dramatize attack

By Mark StricherzThe Center Square The U.S. House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol cost almost twice as much as previously reported, including...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois House members vote along party lines; More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days; State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold

Illinois quick hits: Illinois House members vote along party lines; More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days; State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Illinois House members vote along party lines Illinois U.S. House members voted along party lines as the chamber approved legislation to...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee for November 4, 2025

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | November 4, 2025 The Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, reviewed a successful bond refinancing...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for November 4, 2025

Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 4, 2025 An emotional and lengthy discussion on improving safety along U.S. Route 52 was the central focus of the Manhattan Village Board meeting...

WATCH: Longest-ever government shutdown ends after 43 days

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The U.S. House of Representatives voted to reopen and fund the federal government Wednesday night, ending the longest government shutdown in American history. President Donald...
Glock: Judge’s OK of Chicago’s anti-gun lawsuit questionable, at best

Glock: Judge’s OK of Chicago’s anti-gun lawsuit questionable, at best

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Firearms maker Glock is asking for permission to appeal a Cook County judge's ruling allowing the city of Chicago to continue its...