Lawmaker Denounces Elmhurst Teacher's 'Rant'

ELMHURST, IL – State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi on Tuesday said Elmhurst School District 205 has received complaints from the public about a York High School teacher.

During a school board meeting, the Elmhurst Republican singled out American studies teacher Kelly DeLoriea for criticism.

She noted that conservative radio talk show host Dan Proft played a classroom "rant" from a York teacher on Monday. She said it was DeLoriea.

"We know that this was not an isolated incident," Mazzochi said. "The board has been made well aware of the problems with teachers in the class and the repeated parent and student complaints of bias in this class."

Mazzochi said listeners of the "Chicago's Morning Answer" show understood the issue.

"I would like to know, when will the board?" she asked. "The public also deserves to know the facts about what is going on in your classrooms."

Mazzochi said the district blocked her efforts to get information on the American studies classes taught by DeLoriea and Lindsey DiTomasso.

During curriculum night last fall, Mazzochi said the two teachers refused to give details about their lessons to parents. DeLoriea "ran out of the room," Mazzochi said.

Under state law, Mazzochi said, the district must allow the public to inspect curriculum materials.

"Let's see if what these students are getting in the classroom is, in fact, factual, honest and not biased," the lawmaker said. "For once, please stand up proactively for sunshine and transparency."

At a school board meeting in May, Mazzochi urged the superintendent to "clean house."

Under its policy, the school board does not respond to public comments at meetings.

DeLoriea and DiTomasso could not be reached for comment on Mazzochi's speech.

In November's election, Mazzochi's Democratic opponent is Elmhurst resident Jenn Ladisch Douglass.