Schools
Resident Calls For Better Enforcement of School Board Policy at St. Charles East High
School board members were told to stop wasting district funds and take responsibility to enforce the rules.
Referring to an independent audit of St. Charles East High School's athletic program as "a lot of impressive noise," resident Pete Kapusta told District 303 school board members that they haven't been doing their job.
"It is my belief if school board policy were properly enforced and prompt action was taken when some of these concerns were initially reported over six months ago, there would be no need for expensive independent reviews and audits," Kapusta said.
St. Charles police confirmed last week they are investigating allegations of impropriety that include possible theft of funds from the East High School athletic department. The allegations stem from community complaints about booster club fund-raising.
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Patch reported last month on a backlash from parents and students after a decision by East's athletic director Jerry Krieg and the administration to drop Brian Clodi as head coach of the boys basketball team. Clodi remains on staff as PE and driver's education teacher.
Just days before a report was released by District 303 in May showing incidents of hazing, a perception of favoritism toward some sports over others, and an inconsistent review process for athletics coaches, Kreig announced his retirement effective this month.
Find out what's happening in St. Charleswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The district's community relations officer Jim Blaney confirmed there was an incident involving a student last November as well as several other issues that prompted the review of athletic department practices. He declined further comment because the incident involved a student.
Kapusta told the board it appears "it is business as usual," referring to the May report and an independent audit slated for this Friday, saying they were prompted by "personnel changes at the school."
Kapusta called for a review of the effectiveness of the current administration. He said the district has indicated no action will be taken for school board policy violations despite their confirmation in the May report.
"I request the board of education review the effectiveness of the current district administration in taking responsibility for properly and promptly—that's properly and promptly—enforcing school board policies instead of continuing to waste precious district funds through incomplete action and numerous delays," Kapusta said.
An external audit of booster club fund-raising activities announced last week by Superintendent Don Schlomann is expected to be completed June 17.
