Suburban School Official Upset Over Email Leak, Demands Investigation

SUMMIT, IL – A board member for suburban Argo Community High School said last week he was upset over the leak of his emails about his wife's employment status with the school.

Member Michael Vasquez asked for an investigation into how the messages ended up in Patch's possession.

Patch published a story earlier this month about Vasquez's communications to the school's top human resources official.

Before the story, the school had released the same emails to Patch with many redactions. The news outlet later received the unredacted version.

At last week's board meeting, Vasquez expressed concern about the unofficial release. He said he should be able to have email conversations without them being released to the public.

But the school principal's former secretary, Pam Young, who was in the audience, said Vasquez shouldn't be involved in talks with officials about his wife's job.

"That's something the other board members should be handling," Young said. "It's your wife. You should have nothing to do with that."

Vasquez defended himself, saying he wanted to know what process was taking place.

Two years ago, then-Superintendent William Toulios hired then-board member Lauren Vasquez as athletic secretary. Shortly before taking the job, Lauren Vasquez resigned from the board and was replaced by her husband.

Months later, Toulios quietly increased Lauren Vasquez's position from 10 months to 12 months. Officials now see that change as improper because Toulios, who left last year after a porn scandal, failed to get the board's approval.

Now, Lauren Vasquez's position may return to 10 months, meaning less income for her.

At the meeting, Michael Vasquez said he didn't want any changes to be seen as accommodating his wife.

He said the leak was a "serious issue."

"I think it needs to be investigated, and the person responsible for sharing the information should be dealt with appropriately," he said.

Two other board members, Dan Kozal and Nicholas Caprio, immediately agreed, saying their colleague's request was reasonable.

Board members then spoke about how they have undergone what they see as unfair scrutiny.

Member Catherine Jozwiak said she was falsely accused of trying to get her son a teaching job at the school.

Caprio shot back, "You weren't falsely accused. You networked tremendously. And if you say different, you are a liar."

Board President Jennifer Grenier said the board must look at its nepotism policy.

She also said the majority of board members have been victims over the last two years of controversies.

As an example, Grenier said someone went after her nursing license, which Caprio called unacceptable.

In an email to Patch last week, Grenier said the school would conduct an internal IT review related to the "unauthorized release of confidential information and communications."

Patch asked her whether Vasquez should email school officials about his wife's job.

In response, Grenier said, "Generally speaking, Board members should be mindful of avoiding situations that could create the appearance of influence or preferential treatment involving family members or close personal relationships."

She continued, "Even when no laws or policies are violated, perception matters, and maintaining public trust is important in any school district."

The Vasquezes have not returned messages for comment.

Argo is not alone in investigating a leak.

In 2021, Elmhurst School District 205 said it found nothing when it looked into the leak of information about a program's suspension.

That occurred after Patch received a cropped email that was apparently sent to teachers at a local elementary school about the decision. The document was a public record.