Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Board President Sergio Hernandez announced he was stepping down from his leadership role at the beginning of a special meeting on Tuesday morning. The board immediately and unanimously elected Pat Anderson, a retired district employee, as the new president while Hernandez will continue to serve as a regular board member.
The leadership transition occurred during a tense meeting convened to address potential school closings, with some parents in attendance calling for Hernandez's complete resignation from the board, citing the district's financial challenges during his tenure.
Key Takeaways
- Sergio Hernandez has resigned as president of the District 65 school board but will remain a board member.
- The board unanimously elected Pat Anderson, a newly elected member and retired D65 employee, as the new president.
- The change in leadership took place during a special meeting focused on school closings.
- Some parents voiced criticism of Hernandez, linking his leadership to the district's financial issues and calling for his full resignation.
A Sudden Change in Board Leadership
The special meeting for Evanston/Skokie School District 65 began with a significant development on Tuesday. Sergio Hernandez, who had been serving as the board's president, formally announced his decision to step down from the top post. In his statement, Hernandez mentioned that it had been a privilege to lead the board, emphasizing his focus on promoting equity within the district during his time as president.
Following his announcement, the board moved swiftly to fill the vacancy. They held a vote and unanimously elected Pat Anderson to serve as the new board president. Hernandez will not be leaving the board entirely; he will continue his term as a trustee, contributing to board decisions and discussions.
New President Pat Anderson Elected
The new board president, Pat Anderson, is a familiar face within the district but new to her board role. Anderson is a retired D65 employee who successfully ran for a seat on the school board and was elected earlier this year. Her unanimous election indicates a unified decision by the board members to move forward under her leadership.
Background on the New Leadership
Pat Anderson's background as a retired employee of District 65 provides her with firsthand experience of the district's internal operations. Her recent election to the board suggests she has current support from the community, which will be crucial as the board navigates contentious issues like school closings and budget deficits.
Community Voices and Board Dynamics
The transition was not without commentary from fellow board members and the public. Andrew Wymer, another recently elected board member, spoke in support of Hernandez's service. Wymer stated that the district is better because of Hernandez's example as the school board’s first Hispanic president, highlighting the significance of his leadership role.
"It has been a privilege to lead the board, particularly by focusing on equity," Hernandez said upon stepping down from his leadership position.
However, the sentiment among some community members present at the meeting was markedly different. Several parents expressed that Hernandez's decision to step down as president was insufficient. They openly called for his complete resignation from the school board, holding him accountable for issues that arose during his presidency.
Parental Criticism Over Financial Issues
The calls for resignation were directly linked to specific district challenges. One parent addressed Hernandez directly during the public comment period, connecting his leadership to the district's ongoing financial difficulties.
“Mr. Hernandez,” the parent stated, the Horton mess and financial red ink “happened under your watch.” This comment reflects a segment of the community's frustration with the board's handling of fiscal matters and other significant controversies within the district.
Meeting Context: School Closings
The leadership change occurred at a meeting specifically called to discuss the potential closure of schools within District 65. This topic is often driven by budgetary constraints and declining enrollment, issues that are at the core of the financial concerns raised by parents during the meeting.
Navigating a Challenging Period for District 65
The change in board leadership comes at a critical time for the Evanston/Skokie school district. The board is actively confronting major decisions that will have a long-term impact on students, families, and staff. The primary issue on the meeting's agenda—school closings—is a direct consequence of the financial pressures the district faces.
The public criticism directed at Hernandez underscores the community's demand for accountability and transparent financial stewardship. The "financial red ink" mentioned by a parent points to budget deficits that have put the district in a difficult position, forcing unpopular choices like shuttering schools.
As the new president, Pat Anderson will now lead the board as it works through these complex problems. Her ability to restore public trust and guide the district toward financial stability will be a central focus of her presidency. The board's future decisions on school infrastructure and budget management will be closely watched by a highly engaged and concerned community.