D-113 Board Taking Kimbrel Matter "Very Seriously"

In response to inquiries regarding the latest developments surrounding incoming superintendent Dr. Laurie Kimbrel, Township High School district 113 Board President Marjie Sandlow read a statement prior to Wednesday night’s special board meeting, following the emergency special board meeting.

News has surfaced this week about the online conduct of Kimbrel’s husband, her ties to the search firm that recommended the District hire her and the history of conflict of interest claims related to the firm.

Sandlow indicates board attorney Nancy Krent will work to “ascertain the facts” and “determine the course of action” that will best serve the students, staff, parents and community.

The following was read by Sandlow during the public meeting:

The District 113 Board of Education, in consultation with search firm Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, underwent a robust search and interview process prior to hiring Dr. Kimbrel as the new Superintendent of Schools for District 113 on January 12. This process, in combination with Dr. Kimbrel’s exemplary qualifications and experience, gave us confidence that we had found the right educational leader for District 113.

As you know, new information has recently come to light that the Board of Education is taking very seriously. Within the past week we learned about Dr. Kimbrel’s affiliation with our search firm, and about the circumstances surrounding conduct of Dr. Kimbrel’s husband. While there is much we cannot address at this point, we want you all to know that we truly appreciate hearing your varied perspectives on the complex matter at hand. We are in the process of gathering additional information, which we will thoroughly consider and discuss along with feedback we have heard from our constituents. Given that the receptions planned for tonight and tomorrow night were scheduled and communicated to various stakeholder groups more than a month ago, we feel it prudent to move forward with these events and give our constituents an opportunity to meet Dr. Kimbrel while we work with our attorney, Nancy Krent, to ascertain the facts and thoughtfully and carefully determine the course of action that will best serve the students, staff, parents and community members of District 113.

We also are excited to welcome our building principals during the receptions scheduled to take place at their respective buildings.