Jill Grech, the new president of the Lyons Township High School board, has expressed a commitment to improving transparency and open communication within the board. This comes after a tumultuous period involving the attempted sale of the school’s land in Willow Springs, which faced huge community opposition.
Grech, who assumed the presidency following the resignation of Dawn Aubert, acknowledged the lessons learned from the controversial land sale process. The board’s decision to abandon the sale to an industrial buyer had sparked strong reactions from residents and nearby communities.
Lyons Township High School (Credits: Patch)
In an email response to Fred Whiting, a vocal opponent of the industrial scale, Grech emphasized the board’s focus on decisions that benefit all students in the school community. She stressed the importance of considering the interests and emotions of the broader community in future decisions regarding the Willow Springs property.
Whiting had previously raised concerns about handling the sale and called for accountability, including an apology from the board and Superintendent Brian Waterman for their actions during the process.
Dawn Aubert (Credits: Patch)
The release of closed session recordings from January 2023 shed light on the board’s strategies and discussions regarding the sale, revealing disagreements and controversial remarks among board members.
Grech emerged relatively unscathed from the revelations, which led to legal scrutiny and criticism from the community. Despite the controversy, the board is now reevaluating its approach to the land sale, prioritizing transparency and community input.
They plan to seek bids again but with a focus on selling to a buyer aligned with Willow Springs’ zoning regulations, which currently allow for residential and small retail uses. This shift reflects the board’s efforts to address community concerns and foster better communication moving forward.
