The Fairfield Public School District #112 Board of Education has officially announced a special meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 30th, at 6:00 p.m. The session will take place in the Center Street School Boardroom and will address several key administrative and personnel matters, including the hiring of a new basketball coach.
A significant portion of the meeting will be a closed session dedicated to sensitive topics such as employee appointments, labor negotiations, and potential litigation, as permitted by state law. The public is welcome to attend the open portions of the meeting, which will include a period for public comment and final action items.
Key Takeaways
- Meeting Scheduled: A special board meeting is set for Tuesday, September 30th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Center Street School Boardroom.
- Key Action Item: The board is expected to approve the hiring of a 5th and 6th grade boys basketball coach during the open session.
- Closed Session Topics: Confidential discussions will cover personnel, labor relations, litigation, and student discipline, in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
- Public Participation: A designated time will be provided for citizens to address the board on non-agenda items.
Meeting Agenda and Structure
The special meeting called by the Fairfield Public School District #112 board will follow a structured agenda designed to address both public and confidential district business. The proceedings will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. with standard procedural items, including a formal call to order and a roll call to establish a quorum of board members.
Following these initial steps, the agenda includes a crucial opportunity for community involvement. A specific period is allocated for citizens to address the board on topics not officially listed on the meeting's agenda. This public forum is a standard feature of school board governance, providing a direct channel for parents, staff, and taxpayers to voice their thoughts to district leadership.
After the public comment period concludes, the board will move to the main items of business. The agenda is split between a private, closed session and a public open session where final votes will be cast.
Understanding the Closed Session Topics
A significant part of the evening will be dedicated to a closed executive session. This private portion of the meeting is legally permitted under specific sections of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, which allows public bodies to discuss sensitive matters without public observation to protect privacy and the district's strategic interests.
Why Are Some Meetings Closed to the Public?
The Illinois Open Meetings Act requires government bodies to conduct business openly. However, it provides specific exceptions for sensitive discussions. These exceptions are designed to protect the privacy of individuals, facilitate candid discussion on legal and negotiation strategies, and ensure the orderly administration of the district. Any formal action or vote resulting from these discussions must be taken in a subsequent open session.
Personnel and Labor Relations
One of the primary reasons for the closed session is to discuss personnel. This includes matters related to the appointment, employment, retirement, or dismissal of specific employees. Discussing these topics in private protects the personal privacy of the individuals involved and allows for a frank evaluation of performance and qualifications.
The board will also address labor relations and collective negotiations. These discussions often involve strategy related to bargaining with employee unions, such as teachers or support staff. Keeping these conversations confidential is essential for maintaining the district's negotiating position.
Litigation and Vacancies
Another key topic is litigation. The board may need to confer with legal counsel about pending, probable, or imminent lawsuits involving the district. Confidentiality is critical to developing a legal strategy without compromising the district's position.
Discussions may also cover vacancies in public office, which could refer to an open seat on the school board itself or another key administrative position. The process for filling such a vacancy might be discussed privately before any public announcement or action.
Student Disciplinary Cases
Finally, the closed session agenda includes student discipline. Federal and state privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), strictly protect the confidentiality of student records. Therefore, any hearing or discussion about a specific student's disciplinary case must be held in private to protect the student's identity and personal information.
Did You Know?
Under the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2), a public body can enter a closed session for 24 specific reasons. The topics listed on the Fairfield #112 agenda, such as personnel, collective bargaining, and litigation, are among the most common exceptions used by school boards across the state.
Action Items in Open Session
Following the conclusion of the closed session, the Board of Education will reconvene in an open session that is fully accessible to the public. It is during this part of the meeting that the board will take formal action on items that may have been discussed privately.
This structure ensures transparency, as all official decisions and votes must be cast in public view. This allows the community to witness the final outcomes and hold the board accountable for its decisions, even if the preceding deliberations were confidential.
Hiring of a New Basketball Coach
The most prominent action item listed on the public agenda is the hiring of a 5th and 6th grade boys basketball coach. The board is expected to vote on the appointment of a candidate for this important extracurricular role. The selection process, including interviews and review of qualifications, likely occurred prior to the meeting, with the board's vote serving as the final, official approval.
This decision is significant for the district's middle-grade athletic programs, providing leadership for young student-athletes and shaping the culture of the team. The community, especially parents of students in these grades, will be watching this outcome closely.
The Importance of Public Attendance
School board meetings are a cornerstone of local democracy, and the Fairfield Public School District #112 encourages public attendance. These sessions provide the most direct way for community members to stay informed about the decisions that shape their local schools.
Attending the open portions of the meeting allows residents to:
- Observe Governance: Witness firsthand how the elected board members conduct district business and make decisions.
- Participate Directly: Use the public comment period to share feedback, ask questions, or raise concerns about issues not on the formal agenda.
- Stay Informed: Hear about important updates, policy changes, and personnel decisions, such as the hiring of a new coach, as they happen.
The meeting on September 30th offers a valuable opportunity for the Fairfield community to engage with its school district's leadership and remain an active participant in the educational process.
