District 33C Dismisses Teacher After Concerns About Social Media Posts

HOMER GLEN, IL — After concern from parents about social media posts reportedly connected to a newly-hired art teacher, the District 33C Board of Education has dismissed the employee during a special board meeting on Sunday.

The District did not identify the dismissed employee, but a statement from the Board discusses background and reference checks the District performs.

"Though extraordinarily rare, there are times that process may not be flawless. However, when additional information that is legally relevant to an individual’s ability to work safely and successfully in the district does come to our attention, we take the time to consider that information and then take appropriate action," the statement reads. "In this instance, that action included additional background investigation which resulted in the discovery of new information, but relevant to the employment of the individual in question."

Based on the information, the Board said the employee was dismissed.

Superintendent Craig Schoppe apologized to families and acknowledged their concerns.

"As a parent myself, I understand that our families trust me to ensure a high quality education and to hire the best staff to provide that education. I realize that I may have lost that trust from many of you, and I will work to regain it," he said.

Schoppe said he will work to review and improve the District's processes going forward.

It is unknown what plans are for art classes in the District. Earlier this year, the District had approved one art teacher position to rotate among the four elementary schools.