As of May, Hendricks had repaid $7,300. She was dismissed from the job two years later, sued the district and received a $132,000 settlement check, which could not be applied to her pension under TRS rules. Student achievement lags far behind statewide averages as well. Hendricks declined to comment on her taxpayer-funded compensation. McClendon said in a phone interview she could not comment on the nature of the investigation because it was a personnel matter. A wave of retirements has led to more job openings in recent years, Leahy added. Perez has children in the district and had volunteered with the PTO. We join in celebrating our school counselors during National School Counseling Week! But documents obtained by the Tribune last week show Hendricks is six months behind on the repayment agreement, which was adopted in September 2015 when District 88 paid the Illinois Teachers Retirement System on her behalf. As candidates, members of the "Bellwood 88 Dream Team" were vocal before the April 4 election that they wanted accountability from controversial Superintendent Rosemary Hendricks. Dorothy Clark-Smith, who was named president during a divided vote, declined to comment on the details of Hendricks' contract. "You can buy back that service if you decide you want to go back to teaching," said Dave Urbanek, a TRS spokesman. The state board has yet to send additional technical support since the superintendent's job turned over again in November. Designed & Developed by Precision Creations, By subscribing, you agree to receive emails from EAGNews.org, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our, Bellwood, IL school board enables superintendent's wild spending -- despite deep debt, Know These Before Moving From Cyprus To The UK. Taxpayers across the state will pick up the tab, potentially for years to come. Hendricks revolved in and out of the district three times in 10 years, as nine superintendents came and went in 15 years. "I'm fine with bringing Ms. Hendricks back," Thurman said. You may download the plan (here). "The board should have an official statement by the next board meeting," said attorney Howard Brookins Jr., who is also a Chicago alderman. Phone (814) 742-2270 | Fax (814) 742-9040. Hendricks held various teaching and administrative jobs in the Chicago area before she was hired as superintendent by Bellwood District 88 in 2007. Voting yea were Giles, Perez and Smith as well as President Sondra McClendon, Annie Copeland and Lindsley Griffin. "This is embarrassing," said April Falco, who has a first-grader in the district. The Bellwood School District 88 board quietly diverted more than $105,000 from an education fund to replenish a retirement account Superintendent Rosemary Hendricks drained years ago.. Each of our seven campuses employ highly qualified teachers and staff who genuinely care for the students in our charge. Victoria Hansen has been working as a Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Bellwood School District 88 for 14 years. She acknowledged that she used the district's credit card to buy her husband plane tickets to Las Vegas and California but said that she paid back the money. McClendon, who was seated in 2015, said the board had not made a determination about a superintendent search., Were not going to have a witch hunt, Giles said. Litigation in which the District, in addition to several individuals remains a party, is currently pending and ordinarily, this would cause the District to decline further comment. The terms of the spending have been so elusive that records show even the district's finance director and the Proviso Township school treasurer's office, which oversees District 88's finances, have been kept in the dark about whether Hendricks and the school board hashed out an official agreement over the spending. The Bellwood district's repeated changes in leadership are unusual, said Thomas Leahy, a consultant with the executive search department of the Illinois Association of School Boards. Your application will be retained in active status , Url: https://www.applitrack.com/sd88/onlineapp/default.aspx Go Now, Schools Details: WebSchools In District; Retired Tests. The second installment is scheduled go out in June. "For candidates it says there are red flags or cautions," Leahy said. The annual salary for public school teachers varies greatly depending on location, years of experience, level of education, and financial resources of the district. District Superintendent Dr. Victoria Hansen Address 640 EASTERN AVE BELLWOOD IL 60104 (708) 410-3029. Murphy, the district's chief operating officer at the time, as well as a Bellwood trustee, hired Hixson, and a few months later became acting superintendent. "But I do have something against hiring someone who sued the district.". My focus was always to create an environment for educators who have endured the system and have been a part of the system, to give them the opportunity to serve and work along with me. Mr. Holder Stated. According to Atkinsons job application with the district, she has a bachelors degree in communications disorders from Saint Xavier University and one year of experience as a teachers aide and special education assistant. BELLWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 88 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER NOTICE OF VACANCY 2023- 2024 School Year Title: Bilingual Teacher (Spanish)- Districtwide Reports to: Building Principal Pay Range: $49,500- $59,500 Qualifications: 1. 2:130 Board-Superintendent Relationship 2:140 Communications To and From the Board. 2023 EAGNews.org ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. About 10 years ago I was actually subbing [substitute teaching] for Mr. Holder, and to hear him and one of the previous superintendents encourage me to go back to school and go to law school, and to just be here with him during this time this moment of transition is something really special and I think the community will be very happy and very pleased with what he is spearheading here at the school district., Mark Holder created an administrative advisory cabinet to help him lead School District 88 with skill and democracy. Quentin Heady kept thinking about two things. However, an extraordinary and alarming series of events that threatened the safety of Board Members, Administrators, children and other employees occurred and requires a limited statement from the District. October 1st, 2017 Yakira Levi Bellwood, News 0 comments, Mark Anthony Holder, Dist 88, Interim Superintendent. There have been three different top administrators and two retirees who worked on an interim basis since. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES. President Sondra McClendon announced that an investigation would be undertaken, although she did not specify by whom or about what. The Tribune has written extensively about salary spikes, penalty payments and sweetheart deals that compound the state's pension obligations. As most residents already know, District 88 had some major issues with the previous Superintendent of the Bellwood school district. He went from being a teacher to the Dean of Students, to the Assistant Principal, then he served as Principal, became Superintendent Assistant, and now Interim Superintendent. Murphy, who is also a Bellwood village trustee, declined to comment on the settlement, which explicitly prohibits her and school officials from speaking with the media. I consider us the new Bellwood School District on the rise, providing great educational opportunities for our students to excel and be prepared to meet the global world. Said Mark Holder, Interim Superintendent of Bellwood School District 88. Bellwood School District 88 Cook County, Illinois Latest News Superintendent's Scoop Greetings Bellwood School District 88 Community: As your superintendent, it is indeed an honor and privilege to introduce you to my new publication, The Superintendent's Scoop. Since the 2011 school year began, Bellwood School District 88 has paid People Cab Co. $605,000 to shuttle homeless and special education students to and from school, the Tribune reported. As of 2014, she had eight years of service credit in the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund, which will be factored to determine her final pension benefits. Last month, the school board agreed to keep her on over the summer as well at a cost of $48 an hour., When asked about the hires, Hendricks told the Tribune, There is no nepotism policy not that I know of. In Winnetka, the turnover began when the superintendent who led the district for more than a decade retired. Positive changes include the stabilization of the administration, all employees are now qualified to maintain their jobs; each person understands their role, projects are done in collaboration with multiple departments, fiscal affairs are in full compliance, up to date technology has been integrated, and a more welcoming environment for parents and visitors. He will begin July 5. Details: WebBellwood School District 88 Cook County, Illinois Latest News Superintendent's Scoop Greetings Bellwood School District 88 Community: As your bellwood area school district Verified 1 days ago Until then, Hendricks will work under an existing contract that set her pay at $750 a day. Learn More. That marked the ninth time the top administrator's job has been filled since 2001, more superintendent turnover than any other school district in the six-county Chicago area, according to state education records analyzed by the Tribune. The settlements can be costly particularly for districts with high turnover like Bellwood. At $70,000 a year, her salary was higher than those of 87 percent of teachers in the district. Overall, the district spends $7,038.2 million on instruction, $6,492.8 million bellwood illinois school district Our Goals Stated the Interim Superintendent Mark Holder. "I hope this time they will let her stay. I take pride in reaching back to help those individuals who have helped sustain the school district., The New Superintendent has worked hard to change the culture of Bellwood School District 88. Retirements, mounting financial pressures and school board acrimony can all contribute to a superintendent's exit. Hillcrest vs. Lemont. She earned more through payouts than her combined full-time superintendent salaries since the 2008-09 school year, state records show. The added pension contribution from the school district will increase Hendricks annual retirement benefit from about $14,000 per year to about $77,000 under the state formula, the news report said. Mark Holder Superintendent Jan Baptist Director of Finance . Bellwood School District 88 welcomed staff back with a week full of profession development, staff appreciation and invigorating speakers with a Keynote speech from new Superintendent Dr. Victoria Hansen! The school board settled that case in 2014 and agreed to cut Hendricks a $45,000 check to curb related legal expenses. Beard. Since then, Hendricks has had an on-again, off-again relationship with Bellwood District 88 where she's been hired as superintendent on three separate occasions. Starting May 9, 2017, Mark Anthony Holder went into the plan of action to move his district forward with a new Board of elected individuals who aim to develop good educators, support parent involvement, and create a partnership between the school district and community. Superintendent Rosemary Hendricks with attorney Howard Brookins Jr. during the Bellwood School District 88 board meeting in Bellwood on June 20. The move is another example of an Illinois school board diverting funds to help administrators land more lucrative retirement packages. BELLWOOD SD 88. . A slate of community members and parents are hoping to unseat long-term board members, including President Marilyn Thurman, and have pledged to replace the superintendent. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. A west suburban school district hired and removed the same superintendent twice in five years, giving her a combined $120,000 package on the way out. It's rare that the public would cover the costs. Mark Anthony Holder, Interim Superintendent of Bellwood School District 88. Hendricks and other school board members referred questions to school board President Daisy Allen, who didn't return calls for comment. Now the Tribune, in a November report, revealed that the Bellwood school district has been running up outrageous bills for taxi cab service. Money may be tight in Bellwood School District 88, but the school board still managed to quietly divert more than $105,000 from an education fund to replenish a retirement account its superintendent drained years ago. Were excited about progress!, Yes, Armed police guards were replaced with a much more relaxed climate There are still protocols that have to be followed Says Joseph P. Burdi, Director of Building and Grounds at Bellwood School District 88. District 88's attorney said Hendricks, 66, is required to repay the $105,504 to the district, but the district has not provided a copy of that agreement or any details about a repayment plan or said whether she must pay interest. When boards enter into legally binding contracts, they ought to make sure it's the right fit, Hackmann said. You may download the report (, In compliance with the Pennsylvania State Department of Education, the proposed District Special Education Plan for 2021-2024 is on file for inspection. You select schools with similar factors and then see comparisons on several measures of School Characteristics, Test Performance, Demographics, and Finance. I never saw myself in this place, Giles reflected. School board members often ink settlement deals in an attempt to avoid legal backlash for pushing out a superintendent early. "If the board is paying their salary and the new superintendent and maybe even a previous superintendent, that's a big hit," said Donald Hackmann, a University of Illinois education professor. Jeninne M. Hixson served as the executive assistant of the superintendent from September 2011 through October 2014. We want you out! Dream Team member Deborah Giles told the superintendent during public comments at a spring board meeting. Most people would assume that means the Bellwood district lacks resources. A year later, she was placed on administrative leave, resigned and was given a $75,000 settlement on the way out the door. When she was hired, it marked the ninth time the top administrator's job has been filled since 2001, which an earlier Tribune investigation found amounted to more turnover in the superintendent's office than any other school district in the six-county Chicago area. Illinois' new online school report card goes beyond test scores to present a complete view of your schools. Bellwood School District 88 is part of the Education industry, and located in Illinois, United States. Tablets or new textbooks are just a dream. We join in celebration recognizing the history, achievements and contributions of black people to our nation. In her lawsuit, Hendricks said she suffered emotional damage when she was fired in 2012. Hendricks repaid the district about $7,300 of the $105,000 from March to May of this year, records show. The most recent superintendent to terminate his contract early did not cash in on time unworked, according to district spokeswoman Marcia Sutter. School Board Meeting Dates; Superintendent's Performance Objectives; Virtual Board Meetings; Special Education. According to a published report,. Please click (. "You don't give someone two chances and then give them a third chance. "They would look at it as, 'Will I be able to stay?'". That amounted to more turnover in the superintendent's office than any other district across Chicago's suburbs over a 14-year period, an Tribune investigation published last year found. Dr. Hansen is a transformational educational leader with over 13 years of experience in Bellwood School District 88. The information here will help you to work with your child's school . Hendricks caused bad blood with Perez after sending a letter blocking her from setting foot on school district property after Perez argued with board member Annie Copeland. Superintendent Greater Chicago Area 27 connections. To establish a complete pre-employment file, please complete the online application. External Applicants Contact Us 300 Martin Street, bellwood area school district, Url: https://www.blwd.k12.pa.us/ Go Now, Get more: Bellwood area school districtView Schools, Schools Details: WebBellwood School District 88. We had to get our get back., Photos: Phoenix Suns 125, Chicago Bulls 104, Basketball scores for the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. She referred questions to the district's attorney. Youre able to go into a school and the Administration Center [but] You have to check in with the receptionist. Thats what the community wants us to do.. Buy your tickets to the Bellwood-Antis performance of "Grease" (here). You cant just walk through the building. Bellwood School District 88 voted Thursday to give Superintendent Rosemary Hendricks a new two-year contract. Only time will tell if the people of Bellwood will stand up and demand radical change and reform. Dr. Phylistine Murphy, Superintendent Bellwood School District 88 640 Eastern Avenue Bellwood, IL 60104 Dear Superintendent Murphy: On December 9-10, 2014 the Division of English Language Learning (DELL) of the Illinois State Board of Education conducted an on-site monitoring review of Bellwood School District's Says Mr. Holder. Bellwoods taxi bills far outpace those of surrounding districts, state education records show.. The school board brought back Hendricks in 2010, and she was fired in 2012. Internal district documents obtained by the Tribune don't clarify the circumstances of her exit. In compliance with the Pennsylvania State Department of Education, the proposed District Final Budget for 2022-2023 is on file for inspection. She can work only 100 days under that agreement to remain eligible for the pension she is receiving through the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois. There is, understandably, hurt and anger that remains for the victims, their families, and the larger community. Giles and Dorothy Smith both also ran for library board as well as school board, and won both offices. She would have to delay retirement to take the job permanently. 640 Eastern Avenue, Bellwood, IL 60104 Phone: (708) 410-3000 Fax: (708) 493-0390 . The Bellwood School District 88 board quietly diverted more than $105,000 from an education fund to replenish a retirement account Superintendent Rosemary Hendricks drained years ago. Valid State of Illinois Teaching Certificate 2. ii. Click (, In compliance with the Pennsylvania State Department of Education, the proposed District Final Budget for 2022-2023 is on file for inspection. "There's going to be another lawsuit and another payout," McClendon said. The committee includes an assistant superintendent who has served as building administrator for over 20 years, a Principal coach to provide professional development and stakeholders within the system. The information here will help you to work with your child's school . We had to get our get back., Photos: Phoenix Suns 125, Chicago Bulls 104, Basketball scores for the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Your application will be retained in active status for one school year. Hendricks daughter Brittnay Atkinson was tapped last summer to fill a new student service coordinator job. By his count, he's the ninth superintendent since 1976. The board brought back Hendricks in 2010, and she was fired for misconduct in 2012, a charge she denied in a lawsuit against the district. District 88 also paid an additional $6,000 in penalties to TRS in 2013 and 2014 for granting Hendricks previous pay hikes that exceeded the 6 percent cap that lawmakers put in place to deter districts from pre-retirement pension boosts. District 88s attorney said previously that Hendricks is required to repay the money to the district, the Tribune reported. Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. "How many teachers could have been paid? The Bellwood School District 88 (SD88) is a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school district located in the western suburbs of the Chicago metropolitan area. Bellwood School District 88 Cook County, Illinois Our District Located just west of Chicago on Interstate 290, our district is committed to providing a quality educational program for the families of Cook County. In a May 8 special meeting, as part of a new board majority, new members Vice President Maria Perez, Secretary Dorothy Smith and Deborah Giles voted to place Hendricks on paid administrative leave and appoint Roosevelt Middle School Principal Mark Holder as interim superintendent. Not with my child's education. In compliance with the Pennsylvania State Department of Education, the proposed District Special Education Plan for 2021-2024 is on file for inspection. Said Superintendent Mark Holder. Salary Range: $45,000- $55,000. In November, Bellwood School. The District stands with victims of sexual assault, including the minor victims in our community. Records from 2001 to 2012, the most recent years available, show a dozen districts in the Chicago region hired permanent or interim superintendents five times. You select the schools, and this tool provides comparisons of Fast Facts, Academic Progress, and School Environment. We have had some struggles in the past, and were putting our struggles behind us. The agreement would take effect July 1. For instance, the school board voted to replenish a $105,103 retirement account that Hendricks had cashed out a long time ago, the news report said. And revenge. Hendricks was dismissed during her first two terms in 2008 and 2012 and the district paid her $120,000 in legal and other settlements. "Handing out contracts should be done by the incoming board" after the upcoming April election, Madrid said. Late last month, board members put the contract on the agenda during a meeting where they voted to restructure the board, removing the president and secretary from their positions. BELLWOOD | As the soil of rumored corruption from the previous superintendent lay at rest the seeds of inspiration are sprouting under the new leadership of Mark Anthony Holder, Interim Superintendent of Bellwood School District 88.