DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) – In their first full board of education meeting, on Wednesday night, newly sworn in members wasted no time in making changes to policies and promised the community better transparency in the future. An inquiry was also made, looking into potential misuse or abuse of previous administrators.
Among changes, the board unanimously approved hiring legal representation from a law firm that will conduct a fiscal external audit that they said will open a broader inquiry into the district’s financial spending practices dating back to October 2021 as well possible open meeting act violations from the previous board dating up to May 7, 2025.
Dr. Tom Halloran, in a proposal, said a law firm will look into the misuse and/or abuse of paid time off by administrators and staff. “This inquiry by (the law firm) would be to provide legal advice regarding any potential litigation regarding these matters and this scope of engagement is not limited to interviews of employees or agents, document reviews and legal evaluation and recommendations.” Director of Human Resources, Kim Pabst said the cost for those services could range from $295 to $320 per hour and would be accompanied by a contract.
In addition, new board President Darlene Halloran, asked the BOE to make a residency policy change amendment specific to any future Superintendents. “We don’t have a successful auditor yet, and there are questions of where (former Superintendent Dr. Alicia) Geddis was actually living,” Darlene Halloran said, before the 6-0 vote was passed.
In the proposal, any future Superintendent shall be required to live within 15 miles of the geographical boundaries of Danville School District 118. That candidate has to provide sufficient proof of his or her residency as determined by the board and could be made part of the Superintendent’s employment contract.
In April, the former board of education passed a separation agreement with Geddis after she was placed on paid administrative leave in February. Geddis had been absent from in person work and at board meetings since September of 2024. She was working remotely, possibly from another city outside of her residence, after her claims of harassment and safety concerns. Also in April, she was awarded more than $500,000 in addition to other expenses stemming from a previous settlement agreement. She will still be under contract until it expires on June 30, 2026, but remains on paid leave as part of the agreement.
Darlene Halloran said, “this is the beginning of our promise to the community to make things more transparent.”
In other business, board member Pastor Thomas Miller, submitted his resignation. Halloran said that applications to fill that spot will be taken through June 13 and interviews will begin June 18. She said that she hopes to find someone who’s responsible, community driven and willing to move the district into the future with transparency.
Three teachers were awarded the David L. Fields Excellence in teaching awards: Primary teacher, Carrie Waterman of Edison School. Intermediate teacher, Jennifer Rambole of Kenneth D. Bailey Academy and Danville High School teacher, Bethany Free.
Interim Superintendent John Hart was not in attendance due to family matters. Pabst took Hart’s place during the meeting.