Niles 3-17-16

MARCH 17, 2016 VOL. 60 ISSUE 24

NEWS Tree City

Arbor Day Foundation names Niles Tree City USA

see Page 3

POLICE Body Cameras

Park Ridge PD requests funds for body cameras

see Page 4

FORUM Mental Health

Is it too late for our most vulnerable citizens in Illinois?

see Page 5

SPORTS Dominant Dons

Notre Dame wins sectional title in impressive fashion

see Page 9

District management practices report reveals questionable spending patterns Report cites suspicious practices related to benefits, expense reimbursement and use of district credit cards

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesIlNews

A legal investigation of Niles Township High School District 219 finances revealed a pattern of questionable spending and employment practices by district officials.

The investigation was commissioned by the district’s board of education last summer and conducted by Chicago-based law firm Franczek Radelet P. C. Attorney Fattore Crumley presented the results during the board’s March 8 meeting.

While the report doesn’t mention any specific names, it cites several

questionable practices related to employee benefits, expense reimbursements and use of districtissued credit cards. It also says there were incidents of conflict of interest and questionable uses of authority.

The report gave an extensive list of suggestions for what the district can do to avoid an incident in the future.

The board is expected to consider resolutions that would actually put those suggestions into place during its next regular meeting, which is

scheduled for April 5.

The investigation was launched in August 2015, around the same time the board of education put thenSuperintendent Nanciann Gatta and then-assistant superintendent for operations John Heintz on paid leave. At the time, the district was tight-lipped about both the nature of the investigation and the reasons for putting Gatta and Heintz on leave. A month later, the Chicago Tribune reported that the district covered the two officials’ graduate

school tuition.

Gatta sued the district, alleging that it was trying to force her to resign in order to avoid honoring her contract. In December 2015, Gatta and Heintz resigned as part of an agreement with the district, and the lawsuit was dropped.

The investigation summary, does not mention any specific names.

However, it lists the payment for MBA degrees “for two top-level

See dIStrIct | page 7

P age 2 | Th u rsd ay, Ma r c h 1 7, 2 0 1 6 | n i l e sbugle. c om

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Park Ridge

City considers repairs to city hall Air quality issues within police department prompt building study discussion

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

Park Ridge is considering allocating $100,000 to hire consultants to study buildingwide issues within city hall.

Originally, the city was hoping to address the air quality issues within the Park Ridge Police Department, which is located on the first floor of city hall. But as the city studied the situation, it became clear that there were issues throughout the entire building. In order to get a clear idea of the specific issues and how they can be fixed, the city is planning to contract an architect and an engineer to study the situation.

During the March 10 budget hearing, City Administrator Shawn Hamilton explained that the figure is a placeholder and the city wouldn’t know how much the contracts would cost until it starts receiving bids. Once contractors provide their estimates, the city will be able to amend the capital programs budget accordingly.

The city of Park Ridge has been aware of the air quality issues in the police headquarters for the past few years. Three years ago, the city attempted to address the issues but financial concerns ultimately led the city to put the project on the back burner.

As previously reported by the Bugle, during the Nov. 23 Park Ridge Finance Committee of the Whole meeting, aldermen agreed

to take $100,000 allocated for police station improvement out of the 2017 capital projects budget.

At the time, Hamilton stressed that the list of capital projects wasn’t final and wouldn’t be fully finalized until the city council approves the budget in April.

Since then, there has been growing community concern about the conditions in the police station. A number of residents have penned letters to the editor to share those concerns. Many of those residents attended the March 10 budget hearing.

During the meeting, Hamilton told aldermen that, while he was reasonably sure that the city wanted to take action, it was important to make sure that everyone understood the full scope of any repairs.

“We need to have a comprehensive list of what all the issues are in this building and have a plan to solve them,” he said.

Fifth Ward Ald. Daniel Knight, who chairs the budget workshops, said aldermen will discuss putting the necessary budget allocation into the fiscal 2017 capital budget during the March 23 budget workshop.

Park Ridge Police Chief Frank Kaminski said he was encouraged by the show of support from Park Ridge residents, adding that he hoped aldermen would approve the allocation.

“I think you know how passionate I am about getting some of those issues addressed,” said Kaminski. “If I wouldn’t be

doing that, I shouldn’t be a chief.”

He stressed that the issue was a pressing concern.

“That air quality issue has been a problem down in the building for a long time,” Kaminski said.

“We’ve had some reports on that, we’ve talked about it, and I think it needs to get fixed. There’s probably not a day that goes by that an employee doesn’t talk to me about those issues. I hope we can move forward on that.”

As the same time, the chief emphasized that there are other concerns that should be addressed as soon as possible. He cited the lack of lockers in the station’s women’s locker room as a major problem.

“It’s inadequate for the female staff we have,” said Kaminski.

“Just to give you an example, we have ten lockers, and we currently have twelve female employees. So that means that two have to [use] spaces that aren’t even lockers.

If we had to hire another [female employee], I’m not sure where we would put that locker.”

Other concerns he cited included a lack of separation between where prisoners, victims and witnesses are processed. Kaminski called it a potentially dangerous incident waiting to happen.

Additionally, he said the station needed bathrooms and front entrance that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Nobody asking for a new building, nobody is asking for elaborate fixtures or fancy things,” said Kaminski.

“All [police department employees] want is just a healthy, safe and secure work space, and I just don’t think that’s too much to ask for.”

Arbor Day Foundation names Niles Tree City USA Niles was named a 2015 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

Started in 1976, the Tree City USA program, sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Niles achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the

program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of

community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits. More information on the program is available at arborday.org/TreeCityUSA

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police >> Park Ridge

Police department requests body cameras

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

Park Ridge Police Department Chief Frank Kaminski requested that the city council allocate enough money to buy between two and three body cameras.

During the March 10 budget workshop, he explained that buying the cameras was the easy part but said figuring out what to do with the video footage after it

The following items were compiled from the official reports of the Niles, Park Ridge and Morton Grove police departments. Appearing in the police blotter does not constitute a finding of guilt, only a court of law can make that determination.

Niles Johnny Ohisho, 29, 3800 block of Dobson, Skokie, was arrested at 4:30 a.m. March 6 in the 9200 block of Maryland for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.

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gets recorded is another story.

“Probably the biggest issue is the release of the information through [Freedom of Information Act] request, and legislation is not clear on that, and that’s going to be a problem,” he said, adding that the redaction and storage of the footage is another issue.

“There is still some work that needs to be done before I feel comfortable implementing that kind of [program].”

Kaminski gave an example of a police officer taking a call for a

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Brian T. Schrop, 25, 409 Cedar St., Park Ridge, was arrested at 9:30 p.m. March 1 in the 1100 block of West Touhy Avenue for possession of controlled substance.

Jonathan A. Suarez, 32, 7200 block of Touhy, Chicago, was arrested at 9:10 p.m. March 6 in the 7000 block of Touhy for battery, aggravated battery to a police officer, aggravated resisting arrest, and theft of labor or services.

Morton Grove

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Stephen Warren Howard, 60, 407 E. Main St., Thurmont, Maryland, was arrested at 5:38 p.m. March 6 at Touhy and Home for domestic battery.

Joanna D. Lempicka, 39, 5900 block of Leland, Chicago, was

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Erin M. Chism, 34, 3707 Wren Lane, Rolling Meadows, was arrested at 7:49 p.m. Feb. 29 in the 800 Devon for retail theft.

Karrar H. Al Tameemi, 18, 6100 block of North Richmond, Chicago, was arrested at 3:27 a.m. March 5 in the 8900 block of Milwaukee for suspended license.

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cost around $200.

Fifth Ward Ald. Daniel Knight asked why the chief would request the cameras if it is still waiting for more information. Kaminski said he assumed that the state of Illinois would clear up some of the issues that concerned him at the time he made the budget request.

However, that hasn’t happened.

With the current request, the money would be available in the case the department decides to buy the cameras. If not, the money would simply go toward surplus.

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Park Ridge

Melissa Marie Kokobe, 22, 1137 Talbots Lane, Elk Grove Village, was arrested at 10:48 a.m.

March 2 for forgery and theft $500 and under.

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of residents’ homes or people’s private conversations.

Currently, Kaminski is the president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police. He said most of the association’s members are waiting to see how Elgin Police Department’s body camera pilot program turns out before launching their own programs.

Acting Mayor Maloney asked how many cameras the department would like to purchase.

Kaminski said it would need two or three cameras, which would

arrested at 6:55 a.m. March 8 at Central and Touhy for obstructing identification and suspended license.

Shai S. Cohen, 44, 9200 block of Menard, Morton Grove, was arrested at 2:28 a.m. March 5 in the 7000 block of Milwaukee for DUI.

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domestic violence incident with a body camera on. If a neighbor were to file a FOIA requests for the footage in this scenario, there aren’t clear guidelines for how much footage should be released without violating residents’ privacy.

First Ward Ald. John Moran asked how this would be different from the way the department handles dash camera footage.

Kaminski noted that dash camera footage is in public spaces and would not capture the inside

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Gerardo Castineiras, 52, and

10 Gino Castineiras, 21, both of Morton Grove, were arrested Feb. 25 in the 5700 block of Emerson for home invasion.

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Matthew M. Gongola, 26, Villa Park, was arrested March 3 at

Golf and Washington for DUI. James C. Foster, 46, Morton Grove, was arrested March 4 in the 9000 block of Oak Park for disorderly conduct.

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Jabari McKrieth, 32, Evanston, was arrested March 5 in the 8200 block of Austin for DUI.

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column >> to your mental HealtH

SAVE OUR SHIP editorial

Is it too late for our most vulnerable citizens in Illinois?

By jason Florin | For the Bugle

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facebook.com/thebuglenewspapers twitter.com/buglenewspapers instagram.com/buglenewspapers EdItOR’S NOtE: the opinions expressed in guest columns, editorial cartoons and letters to the editor belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the the Bugle or its staff.

If you are beyond sick and tired of hearing about the fiscal problems in Illinois, I understand completely. There seems to be no end in sight to a crisis many years in the making, and one that threatens to take us through an entire fiscal year without an approved budget.

My purpose here is not to change your politics, but to share some of my knowledge and experience as it relates to funding social services in our state.

Worth every penny We pay our social service workers shockingly low wages in Illinois.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social and human service assistants in Illinois make just $28,770 annually, versus a national average of $29,270. Substance abuse counselors don’t fair much better, pulling in just $34,000 per year – well below the national average of $39,000.

My own work history has taken me to hospitals, residential treatment facilities and jails. For most of this time, even with years of experience and an advanced degree, I made no more than $12-$14 per hour.

This despite being bitten twice, punched square in the chest once, having a chair thrown at me, taking profanity in every conceivable combination of words you can imagine, and often dedicating 60 or more hours in a week to a struggling agency or program. And my experiences are not unusual.

Inevitably, a question arises about how to afford increased budgets for social service agencies in the face of an already massive state deficit. Won’t spending more on services take away from other important government functions, including infrastructure and education? At the risk of oversimplifying the issue, the answer is no, it won’t.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, every dollar invested in addiction treatment services yields a return of $4 to $7 by reducing drug-related crimes, and lowering criminal justice and healthcare costs.

In addition, benefits are seen from fewer interpersonal conflicts, greater workplace productivity and fewer drugrelated accidents, including overdoses

“It has become a wellestablished rite of spring that agencies across the state must band together... explaining why they should be supported.” and deaths. Other types of services see similar financial benefits.

The Illinois Department of Human Services eats up a large share of taxpayer money, and some of the money they receive could be better spent.

In my time in this industry, I’ve seen new leaders come in and propose various ways of supporting social services, but often they seemed to ignore one critical fact: there is already a long-standing network of functional, affordable agencies throughout the state. But pet projects or far-flung grant ideas have undermined efforts of many agencies by awarding dollars to fly-by-night groups that formed simply to appeal to the people in charge at the time. In the end, these groups closed up or left the state, while the committed organizations have suffered.

It has become a well-established rite of spring that agencies across the state must band together, protest in Springfield, write letters to representatives and flood their local papers with letters explaining why they should be supported. Despite operating with mere skeleton crew staffs that work with highly challenging populations, these programs are forced to justify their existence every year.

Questions get raised: Do we really need to pay for people with heroin addiction? Can’t families just support their sick family members? Why does someone with schizophrenia need a permanent case manager?

The work done by social service providers encompasses a huge range of important functions, including caring for the most vulnerable populations.

These professionals serve in nursing homes, mental health hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers, domestic violence agencies, homeless shelters and many other areas.

Ultimately, we need a combination of approaches that involves faith groups, private contributions and government support. And it is crucial that people see their money being used effectively and not wasted. Illinois has a network of strong providers that it needs to make the most of, as part of a stable long-term budget solution.

It is time to recognize the incredibly

TO yOUR MENTAL HEALTH difficult work that agencies are doing and have been doing in the name of helping others. Because these agencies adhere to strict state regulations for operation, they also survive on the money allotted to them in each year’s state budget. When the agencies are given an opportunity, they provide invaluable services that benefit the state fiscally and socially. titanic part ii?

At this point, it’s a fair question to ask whether Illinois’ fiscal situation is beyond repair. Although unthinkable to many, the possibility of a state going through bankruptcy should not be ignored. Dramatic budgetary crises have played out recently in Greece, Puerto Rico and Detroit, and it’s not as if the fiscal problems in Illinois are new.

Politicians in Springfield have been well aware of an impending financial crisis for many years, which is perhaps now unfixable, or soon could be.

I am reminded of a friend who held a job where he began falling behind in his work. After a while, he realized that he could not catch up, but rather than telling his boss or limiting the number of new projects he took on, he actually began accepting more work.

He did so realizing that he would never complete any of it, but he figured that he would hold on as long as possible.

This strategy worked for a number of weeks as everyone thought that he must be doing a great job because he was taking on so much work. Before long, however, the ruse was uncovered and he was let go.

Is Illinois in a similar state of affairs, with our leaders pulling a ruse on us?

Are we hearing warnings about an approaching iceberg when the party leaders are aware that we already hit the iceberg a long time ago? Is our fate sealed?

If that is in fact the case, then it will result in a terrible tragedy for many across Illinois, and especially for those in the social services.

Jason florin has 15 years of experience working in mental health and substance abuse treatment. He is currently an assistant professor and coordinator of Human Services at college of duPage. He holds a master’s degree in Health Science from governors State university, in addition to national and state certifications in addictions counseling.

FoR WHEN you WaNT To TaKE 5 mINuTES FoR youRSElF Thursday, M arch 17, 2016 | ni lesbug le.coM

Aries

mARch 21 TO ApRIl 20

You don’t need to experiment with a box full of snakes and apples to understand the intricacies of temptation. In the week ahead be prudent about relationships. Remain friendly without getting emotionally involved.

gemini

m Ay 2 2 T O j u N E 2 1

It may be better to remain silent. Mere words cannot explain the fantasies building in your heart. In the week ahead you may be inspired to try something new. Concentrate on the facts and figures when dealing with business matters.

leo

j u ly 2 3 T O A u G u S T 2 1

The more you have the less time you have to enjoy it. You may work hard this week to achieve a level of financial security that allows you to improve your life. Dissatisfaction with your allotment of leisure time is possible.

Across 1 ThOm __: ShOE BRAND 5 GREEk ZS 10 ThIS, IN SpAIN 14 pOI SOuRcE 15 mOTIONlESS 16 lIkE SpIDER WEBS 17 __ ThE ImpAlER: mODEl fOR “DRAculA” 18 ONE Of A 1492 TRIO 19 RITuAl flAmmABlE STAck 20 ThEy’RE juIcED IN jAckSONvIllE 23 ANTEATER’S SOuND IN ThE cOmIc “B.c.”

24 mOBSTER’S GAl 25 hAWAIIAN WREATh 26 flOOD-cONTROl pROjEcT 29 GARBAGE BARGE pullER 31 ODORlESS GAS 33 ThEy’RE BAkED IN BOISE 37 DISASTER RElIEf ORG. 38 puT ThE kIBOSh ON 39 ExEc’S “By yESTERDAy!” 42 ThEy’RE BOIlED IN BANGOR 47 SETS ASIDE fOR fuTuRE uSE 49 __ AND ImpROvED 50 BARNyARD hOmE 51 SuffIx WITh TRANSIT 52 “GREEN __ AND hAm” 55 kNOck ShARply 57 ThEy’RE ShEllED IN SAvANNAh 62 ONE-lINER, E.G. 63 mAkE __: GET RIch 64 DINING TABlE ExpANSION pIEcE 66 DEGREE REcIpIENT 67 GuTS 68 yEAR-END clEARANcE EvENT 69 OffIcE NOTE

70 DEucE TOppERS 71 ONE-NAmED ART DEcO ARTIST

Down 1 NETWORk ThAT ONcE EmplOyED vjS 2 muSclE pRONE TO cRAmpS 3 DEvASTATED ASIAN SEA 4 cAffEINATED pIll 5 “BE quIET!” 6 OklAhOmA cITy 7 EARly BRuNch hR. 8 “STAR WARS” DROID, fAmIlIARly 9 hOllyWOOD hOpEful 10 “cOllEGE fOOTBAll plAyOff” NETWORk 11 cROW’S-NEST TElEScOpES 12 DEEp SERvING BOWl 13 INfANT’S BODySuIT 21 __-ROOTER 22 vOIcE ABOvE TENOR 26 “WhAT’S ThE __?”: “SO WhAT?” 27 fRuITy cOOlER 28 “lI’l ABNER” mATRIARch

30 DEpARTED 32 fuRNAcE OuTpuT 34 lukAS Of “WITNESS” 35 “ShOp __ yOu DROp” 36 NEuRAl ImpulSE cONDucTOR 40 muSEum cOllEcTION 41 WOulD-BE SOcIAl WORkER’S mAj. 43 “__ yOuR pARDON” 44 NflER WhO plAyS AT ThE mEADOWlANDS— IN Nj, IRONIcAlly 45 ScOlDS BuT GOOD 46 uGly DucklING, AS IT TuRNED OuT 47 lumBER mIll BlOckAGE 48 Bump fROm WhIch cAcTuS SpINES GROW 53 xBOx ENThuSIAST 54 cAThEDRAl TOppER 56 ThROB 58 SAN __, ITAly 59 jEAlOuS fEElING 60 RIp 61 WORD AfTER SEA OR BEfORE lAkE 65 DOcTOR’S chARGE

librA

SEpTEmBER 24 TO OcTOBER 23

You could be overwhelmed by over coaching. Someone may insist on strict adherence to precise terminology so you may be forced to expand your vocabulary. In the week ahead you may flirt more than you should.

sAgittArius

NOvEmBER 23 TO DEcEmBER 22

You could be enthused by ethical considerations. As this week unfolds you may be immersed in self-improvement ideas or cynical about upholding blind faith. Doing the right thing at the right time can be challenging.

AquArius

jANuARy 21 TO fEBRuARy 19

Your eyes could be bigger than your stomach. You could be challenged by your desire to acquire bigger and better things in the upcoming week. It is possible that dissatisfaction with your possessions is only temporary.

Sudoku

tAurus

A p R I l 2 1 T O m Ay 2 1

In the upcoming week you might often see only what you want to see. Take step back from a prospective purchase and get someone else’s opinion before pulling out the credit card. Focus on completing creative projects.

cAncer

j u N E 2 2 T O j u ly 2 2

Two heads will be better than one. You can count on trusted partners to have the knowledge or the know how to make your best ideas blossom. Honoring commitments is the best way to maintain pleasant relations this week.

virgo

AuGuST 22 TO SEpTEmBER 23

Upward social mobility is not a new app for your mobile phone. Widening your circle of contacts, however, can be accomplished with a little help from the latest technology.

Watch your pennies in the week to come.

scorpio

OcTOBER 24 TO NOvEmBER 22

In your mental animal shelter you aren’t a lone wolf, but a herd animal. You could be restless and uninspired unless you are with another person. One financial burden may be lifted in the week to come.

cApricorn

DEcEmBER 23 TO jANuARy 20

You’re in it to win it. Your powers of persuasion are in fine fettle as this week unfolds. Be on your guard against investing your pennies in worthless baubles that look more useful or worthwhile than they really are.

pisces

fEBRuARy 20 TO mARch 20

Turn on the study lamp. The more you read, watch and absorb the more inspired you will be to correct your deficiencies. As this week unfolds you will be able to develop a better sense of what you really want from life.

Jumble

Tribune Content Agency, LLC. 2016

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

PreviouS Puzzle’S anSwerS

Jumbles:

• ARBOR • OWING • NEWEST • DREDGE

Answer:

Why ThE ExOTIc DANcER quIT hER jOB -- IT WAS A “GRIND”

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Park Ridge seeks volunteers for boards and commissions Boards include O’Hare Airport, Fire & Police, Civil Service, Appearance and Police Currently, applications are being accepted for the following Boards and Commissions, including: O’Hare Airport (1); Board of Fire & Police (3); Civil Service (1); Appearance (1); Police Pension Board (1), and the Library Board (3).

Interested individuals can learn more about the responsibilities of the position by viewing our Council Policy Statement Handbook; Appendice C: Boards, Commissions, & Committees.

You must complete an application which can be found online at www. parkridge.us.

district | from page 1 administrators” as one of the questionable practices.

The report also cites other issues involving “top-level administrators.” This included offering them contracts that meet the legally required goals, with provisions the report described as “favorable to the administrator.”

It also states that, on at least one occasion, a contract didn’t receive formal board approval. It also states that an administrator was offered benefits that were inconsistent with the contract, including contributions to deferred compensation plans and for unused vacation time.

Additionally, the report cites questionable contracts between vendors and administrators. In some instances, vendors who were relatives of school officials were hired. One of those contracts reportedly involved hiring a vendor that previously employed one of the administrators.

Another questionable practice in the report involved an administrator who intervened in the “evaluation/ discipline” of a relative who worked for the district. The report also cited top administrators’ “frequent attendance” of out-of-district and out-of-state conferences.

Finally, the report said District 219 subsequently paid vendors and

Interested individuals can learn more about the responsibilities of the position by viewing Council Policy Statement Handbook; Appendice C: Boards, Commissions, & Committees.

In the upper left search field, type: application board to access an online, fill-in form. Or, you can obtain a hard copy application in the foyer at city hall. Applicants are encouraged to review past Board or Commission minutes to better understand the business that is conducted. However, this is not a requirement.

Applications should be returned to Deputy Clerk Peterson at cpeterso@parkridge.us or by fax, 847-318-5300. You will be contacted to meet with the Mayor’s Advisory Board for a brief interview to discuss your interests and

qualifications. The board makes recommendations to the mayor for appointments of candidates they believe are qualified.

The Mayor’s Advisory Board is chaired by Alderman Daniel Knight and also includes Aldermen Marc Mazzuca, Nicholas Milissis and Roger Shubert.

employees for some administrative staff events “under inaccurate descriptions.”

Issues highlighted in the report go beyond unnamed administrators.

The report also cites incidents of employees receiving pay for more unused vacation time than legally permitted, refunds for health expenses that didn’t meet legal requirements, reimbursement that went beyond what was needed for business purposes, and payment for what were described as working lunches and dinners that took place at restaurants located close to the district.

According to the report, the major issue is that many questionable expenditures were buried in payroll and accounts payable reports, which meant board members didn’t necessarily realize what they were approving.

“The expenditures and other actions arguably received technical approval by the board when it acted on payroll and accounts payable reports, but for the most part the board approval, in our opinion, was not adequately informed,” the report stated. It added that the district had a culture in which employees were encouraged not to question potentially problematic expenditures and lack of full disclosure was “readily accepted.”

The report made a number of recommendations for addressing

the issues it identified, including reviewing and strengthening the district’s ethics policy, applying that policy to vendors, creating a mechanism where employees could report unethical or unlawful conduct, adopting an antinepotism policy, creating stricter procedures for district credit card use and reporting, adding restrictions to credit card use, and establishing payroll standards and procedures.

Franczek Radelet’s investigation also called for strengthening oversight on employees’ work outside the district, use of vacation leaves and administrators’ professional development. Other recommendations were for outside legal review of administrative contracts and contracts that haven’t been bid on, conducting staffing reviews at all levels, and hiring auditors to consider internal financial restrictions.

After Crumley presented the report, Board President Mark Sproat read aloud his official statement.

He said the investigation’s findings were disappointing, but added that the board now has an opportunity to do better.

“As disappointing as the findings are, the board welcomes the opportunity to [improve],” Sproat said.“I also believe that the board will achieve savings by implementing these recommendations.”

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District 207 selects new assistant superintendent Jason Klein to replace Hank Thiele Maine Township High School District 207 announced that its board of education selected a long-time northwest suburban educator and education technology leader as the district’s next assistant superintendent of

technology and learning, effective July 1.

Jason Klein will replace Hank Thiele, who is leaving the district to become the new superintendent of Downers Grove High School District 99. Klein comes to

District 207 from Community Consolidated School District 21 in Wheeling, where he has served for two decades in a wide variety of roles, including teacher, dean of students, middle school principal and chief information officer in charge of instructional technology.

“Because of the unique

evolution of our technology program, it was crucial that we find someone who not only has the talent and experience to understand our program well, but the position also requires the drive and imagination to help propel us forward in the coming years, and Dr. Klein is the person best suited for that role,” District 207 Superintendent Ken Wallace said in a news release announcing the appointment.

He added that District 21 serves a student population similar to District 207.

“Dr. Klein’s passion for equity and serving students of poverty and diversity was most compelling and is an important aspect of the

work that we have done here with Hank,” Wallace said.

As chief information officer for District 21, Klein was responsible for all aspects of technology, including instruction, professional development, maintenance, policy, support and financing.

Similar to District 207, District 21 is a Google Education District.

Klein’s areas of expertise also include curriculum design, student assessment and professional development. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in education from Illinois State University and a doctorate in educational administration from Illinois State.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

page 9

>> INSIDE: Voyager Media all-star game sunday page 10

basketball

Notre Dame cruises to sectional title

By Scott Taylor sports editor

staylor@enterprisepublications.com @Taylor_Sports

Notre Dame took home its first sectional title since 1997 Friday night in a 69-48 win over Deerfield in a Glenbrook South Sectional final.

The Dons made their run in the second quarter, outscoring Deerfield 19-2 and led by as many as 30 points in the third quarter.

Anthony D’Avanzo finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and three blocks, Ammar Becar had 11 points, Lucas Simon tallied 10 points, seven assists and three steals, Jeameril Wilson had 10 points and five rebounds and Elvin Husejnovic had nine points on three second quarter three-pointers.

“It is huge,” Simon said. “Coach (Tom) Les has been here like 10 years and has never won a sectional, so it means a lot to him and to us as a team.”

The win put the Dons in the Northwestern University Supersectional Tuesday against Curie.

•Revenge was on the mind of No. 4 seed Notre Dame when it faced No.

1 Evanston Tuesday in a Glenbrook South Sectional semifinal.

The Dons lost a close game to the Wildkits earlier in the year and that seemed to motivate them in the first half as they got to all the loose balls and built a lead en route to a 68-56 win.

“We jumped out on the early,” Simon said. “It is a game of runs. This whole week was on this game. They gave us a beating at the beginning of the year and we thought they were beatable and we showed that today.”

“We came out strong and we knew who their good players were,” Notre Dame junior Matt Stritzel said. “We brought the energy. A lot of it was pushing in transition after we got the rebound. This was huge. We lost to Loyola and got redemption, too.”

Notre Dame trailed 14-10 early in the second quarter before a 7-0 win changed the course of the game.

From there the Dons continued to build their lead and held a 29-21 advantage at the half.

That lead was built to 41-27 in the third quarter before the Wildkits

see dons | page 10

photo by Scott Taylor

Matt Stritzel and Notre Dame took home the Glenbrook South Sectional title.

TWITTER: For up -to-the-minute coverage of upcoming local sport events going on in your area, follow @VoyagerSport

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Thursday, M arch 17, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

Voyager Media’s 8th Annual Prep Shootout Sunday The eighth annual Voyager Media Prep Shootout is back again at the University of St. Francis in Joliet.

Tip time for the girls game is at 5:30 p.m., while the boys play at 7 p.m.

Last year was the first year of the fantasy draft featuring Mark Gregory against Scott Taylor, with Scott’s team winning both games. That has put Mark in revenge mode this year.

In the girls game, Team Mark is led by Alcorn State-bound Monica Barefield of Joliet Central and Hennessey Handy of Plainfield Central.

He has a pair of state champions in Elise Stout and Sami Valentine

dons | from page 9 made their run.

They cut the lead to 47-40 after

of Benet and several regional champions in Brittney Patrick of Bolingbrok and Adriana Acosta and Mia Farrell of Joliet Catholic.

The rest of his lineup consists of Julia Sirvinskas (Maine South), Annie Carlson and Amanda Prete (Westmont), Taylor Cogdell (Plainfield East), Kelly McLean (Downers South) and Kierra Tyler (Joliet West).

While Mark went with a guardoriented lineup, Scott picked up some post players in Alyssa Fink and Antwanetta Boswell (Plainfield South), Morgan Jones (Joliet Central) and Sydney Arlis (Minooka).

He also has a large group of threepoint specialists in Ashley Hare (Joliet West), Riley Eckhart (Maine South), Kaitlyn Williams (JCA) and Skye Osborne (Romeoville).

Like Mark, Scott has a pair of 16plus point per game scorers in Janelle Alba Garner (Maine East) and Jordan Heberg (Plainfield North).

Also on the team are Diamond Dortch (Romeoville), Jaylnn Estrada (Niles West), Maddie McTague (Maine East), Dana O’Boye (Plainfield North) and Lauren Porcelli (Downers North).

The boys game will again feature the top senior talent in the Voyager

Media coverage area.

Mark’s team is led by a group of bigtime scorers in Jalen Jackson (JCA), Jacob Buchner (Plainfield South) and Matt Cappelletti (Romeoville), all of whom average more than 15 points per game.

He has a lot of size inside with Brad Perry (Maine South) and Zach Grady (Bolingbrook) and also has a post threat in Malik Fuller (Joliet Central) and dual threats Jason Malonga (Benet) and Evan Hines (Niles West).

Brandon Credit (Lockport), Harold Davis (JCA), James Dockery (Benet), Deantre DeYoung (Plainfield South), Milan Grover (Maine East), Matt

Mahlke (Downers North) and Devon Sams (Bolingbrook) are also on the team.

Scott’s team is led by the Plainfield duo of Elijah Goss of Plainfield East (IUPUI recruit) and Kevin Krieger of Plainfield North (Minnesota State).

He has plenty of scoring throughout his lineup as nearly his entire team averages double figures in scoring.

Northern area players include Patrick Hunt (Northridge Prep), Donovan Ferguson (Downers South), Kyle Domin (Westmont) and Jon Arenas and Tommy Digan (Maine South).

three quarters and made it 55-53 with three minutes left in the game.

Evanston junior star guard Nojel

Eastern had a chance to tie the game with 2:23 remaining but missed both free throws.

That shifted the momentum back to the Dons, who got a conventional three-point play from Anthony D’Avanzo with 2:03 left and made their free throws down the stretch to finish off the win.

“We knew they were going to make a run,” Simon said. “They hit us back

with a punch, but we responded well and it was nice to see our guys pull through.”

“It was our composure,” Stritzel said of holding off the Wildkits.

“We were led by Lucas, our senior, who controlled the ball. We stuck together.”

Stritzel and Simon finished with 14 points each, while Wilson scored 12 and Chris Heinichen added 10.

“All three of us have gotten better during the year,” Stritzel said of the junior class led by himself, Wilson and Heinichen. “We’re playing hard every game and my shot is coming along.”

“We have five or six guys who can score in double digits,” Simon said. “When we have everyone contributing and doing their role, we are a really dangerous team.”

News about local businesses in your community T h ursday, M arch 17, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

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Dave Says >> guest column

3- to 6-month reserve fund for emergencies only Emergency funds are to prevent going into debt, not for vacations

Dear Dave, Do I set aside six months worth of paychecks or the amount of my bills for six months when it’s time to save up my fully funded emergency fund?

Steve Dear Steve, In my plan, Baby Step 3 is when I advise people to save up three to six months of expenses in a fully loaded emergency fund.

This is set aside and not touched

for any reason other than a true emergency. It’s not a Bahamas fund or a new living room furniture fund.

It’s an emergency fund. It’s not an investment or fun money; it’s insurance. Think of your emergency fund as a protective barrier that keeps you from going into debt or cashing out investments when life throws bad things your way.

How do you decide where to land in the three- to six-month range of expenses? That depends on how much risk your household has.

If there’s only one income in the equation, you have more risk, so you should skew things toward six months. Being self-employed or a commissioned salesperson is also a situation where this would be true.

If there are two incomes, and both

Never take an adjustable rate mortgage

dave says

By Dave Ramsey

come from steady, dependable sources, you could fall into the middle of that range or even more toward the three-month side.

Make sure your emergency fund is easily accessible too. A simple money market account with checkwriting privileges is fine. You want to make sure you can get your money quickly when the need arises!

—Dave

Dear Dave, Should I ever consider a 5/1 adjustable loan if I’m buying a house and plan to pay it off in five years?

Anonymous Dear Anonymous, No! The reason is you can never be assured that you’re going to pay it off in five years. If you go into it with that mindset, then you’re basically saying you can predict the future will be exactly how you want it to be. That’s pretty naïve.

Your future will never be what you think it will be. It’s either going to be better or worse, but your future will

never turn out exactly the way you plan for it to be.

If you can’t buy a home with cash, you need the stability of a 15-year, fixed rate mortgage in your life.

We’re living in the lowest mortgage interest rate environment in about 50 years. I saw a 3.02 percent 15year fixed rate mortgage just the other day.

For those of you who have not refinanced, if you’re staying in your home or you’re sitting on an adjustable rate, this is a great time to change that. Still, people are sitting around yawning like these kinds of rates are going to be around forever.

It’s gone on for a while now, but don’t let that fool you into thinking those kinds of rates are normal.

They’re not going to last forever.

No, I would never under any circumstances take an adjustable rate mortgage. Was that unclear? I hope not!

—Dave Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business, and CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 11 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations and digital outlets. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

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Upcoming events for Seniors in the community T hursday, M arch 17, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

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TWITTER: Readers, Send us a #selfie of you reading @Buglenewspapers & you could be featured in an upcoming issue!

Thursday, M arch 17, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

library news >> morton grove

Former library director to fill interim role Pamela Leffler served as director until 2013

By Igor Studenkov Bugle Staff

nweditor@buglenewspapers.com @NilesILNews

As the Morton Grove Public Library looks to find a replacement for its former director, Debra Stombres, a familiar face was brought in to fill in as the interim director.

Pamela Leffler served as the library’s director until Dec. 20, 2013, when she became a director of St.

Charles Public Library. Assistant director Kevin Justie served as an interim director while the library hired Stombres as a replacement.

As previously reported by the Bugle, Stombres left the library earlier this month to take a position at Poplar Creek Public Library District. Her departure was originally announced Feb. 10.

At the time, Morton Grove Public Library Board President Barbara Novick told the Bugle that Justie was leaving the library, and that

the board would be looking for someone else to serve interim director.

According to board treasurer Mark Albers, Justie is retiring from the library sometime in May or June. He explained that Justie, who also serves as the library’s head of automated services and technology, is currently too busy working on upgrading the library’s computer system to take on any additional responsibilities.

According to the Kane County Chronicle, Leffler resigned from her position at St. Charles Library

last month.

Albers said Justie recommended Leffler to fill in as interim director.

“He recommended Pam because he knew Pam was available and because he knew we had experience with her,” Albers said.

“She knew the library, so we didn’t have to train her on how we do things in this library.”

On March 7, the board held a special meeting and voted to confirm Leffler’s hiring.

“She’s going to be here around 90 days,” said Albers. “We’re going to have her work between 15-20

hours a week, and she’s going to be paid hourly.”

During the same meeting, the board voted to contract John Keister & Associates, a Vernon Hills-based executive search firm, to assist the library in finding Stombres’ permanent replacement.

Albers said the board currently expects to have the search complete before the beginning of summer.

“We’re hoping to look at a candidate in the month of May, maybe earlier than that,” he said.

“If it all works out well, by June 1 we could have somebody starting.”

Send us your feedback at sweditor@buglenewspapers.com T h ursday, M arch 17, 2016 | ni lesbug le.com

MARCH 16

Dr.Seuss’s Birthday Party. 4 p.m. at Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with us by reading books, playing games, making a craft and having a birthday treat! Geared for Kindergarten through second grade.

MARCH 18

Romania Travel Program.

7:30 p.m. at Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Romania will be highlighted at the March “Adventures in Travel” program hosted by the Downers Grove Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free and no reservations are required. Presenter Carmen Sabau will show and discuss the pictorial vistas of Dobrogea, the East Province of Romania between the Daube and the Black Sea. For questions or further information, please contact Kevin Deany at 630923-0342.

MARCH 19

30th annual Easter candy hunt and pancake breakfast. 10 a.m. at Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. For all children through third grade. Face painting by Mighty Fine Face Design; the Easter bunny will appear at 9 a.m. Food donations accepted.

Lights Out for Earth Hour.

8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The Village of Woodridge will have bollard, outdoor and marquee lights off in Town Centre to show support for Earth Hour.

During this time, lights will switch off around the globe in support of the commitments that have been made worldwide to improve the environment. Everyone is invited to participate in this demonstration of support. Visit www.earthhour.org for more information.

MARCH 20

Spring Palette Art Show. 11

a.m. to 4 p.m. at Gregg House Museum and Senior Center, 117 S. Linden Ave. Come experience a palette of unique oil paintings, watercolor paintings, prints, pencil drawings, glass, sculpture and much more. All of the works of art showcase the talents of our very own local artists including the Westmont Park District’s Senior Art participants. There will be special demonstrations, a raffle, and kids art activities that will spark their creative side and treats. If you wish to exhibit your art work, call 630/969-8080 ext. 104.

MARCH 21

1930’s Tasting History. 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. It is the Depression in America. The stock market has crashed, Roosevelt is trying to repair the country, and thousands of Americans are changing the way they eat. Ellie Carlson provides cooking demonstrations and tastings of the following iconic dishes of the 1930s. Creamed

Chipped Beef on Toast, Candy Coated Carrots, Mock Apple Pie, Chocolate Pie and Mock Whipped Cream. Space is limited.

Center Cass Community Connection. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Prairieview Elementary School, 699 Plainfield Road, Downers Grove.

All District 66 parents and residents are encouraged to attend. Elizabeth Ide, Prairieview and Lakeview Jr. High will be open to the community for self-guided tours. RSVP at www. ccsd66.org

MARCH 23

Flashlight Egg Hunt. 7:30 p.m. at McCollum Park, 6801 S. Main, Downers Grove. Grab your flashlights and head to the McCollum Park ballfields where you’ll search for candy stuffed eggs under the moonlight. Participants with food allergies may be exposed to allergens. Registration deadline is March 21. No registration will be taken on-site. Registration is available at the Lincoln Center or the Downers Grove Recreation Center.

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MARCH 24

Lego Build for Families.

7 - 8 p.m. at Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Build your own creations with our Legos. The theme is Harry Potter. Reserve your spot at www.dglibrary.org/events beginning March 3.

MARCH 25

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. 3 to 5 p.m. at Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St. Watch movie #1. Rescued from the outrageous neglect of his aunt and uncle, a young boy with a great destiny proves his worth while attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Rated PG.

MARCH 26

Bunny Hop & Egg Hunt. 10:30 a.m. at the Recreation Center, 4500 Belmont Road, Downers Grove.

Come out and play with your favorite bunny! Make a craft, jump in the bounce house, and enjoy other fun activities with the bunny.An adult must accompany each child. Due to space, siblings that are not registered are not allowed.

P age 16 | Th u rsd ay, Ma r c h 1 7, 2 0 1 6 | n i l e s bugle. c om