'My Personal Life No Longer Was a Personal Life': Molloy

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education President Kevin Molloy came under such intense scrutiny for the board’s actions that it began impacting his career and personal life, and ultimately forced his departure, he said in his letter of resignation.

The public outrage following the board’s decision to close Lincoln-Way North to combat its flailing financial state turned to personal attacks on him and his family, Molloy said.

“Myself on a personal level, my family, my office family and my business have come under attack,” Molloy said on his Facebook page. “I truly tried to keep turning the other cheek. In recent weeks the attack turn to my corporate office and that was when it was time to agree to part ways with the board I love and respect along with the district.”

In the letter, Molloy cites concerns from the corporate staff of his employer State Farm Insurance. Representatives began questioning his position with the company, noting social media posts and information on websites indicating the public’s opinions of him, he wrote.

“...they had no choice but to approach me and see what was more important to me, my career or my board position,” he wrote. “This was the moment, I knew the small army had defeated me.”

As I type this resignation, I could not be any sadder than I am right now. I LOVE this district and I know every decision we have made, we made with the best interest of one hundred and five miles in mind. I type this resignation knowing that in two years we will have a surplus and I know in five years we will be better than ever but I type it knowing I will not be around to see it.

—Molloy, in his letter of resignation

See the full letter below:

Kevin Molloy Letter of Resignation

Superintendent Dr. Scott Tingley called Molloy’s resignation “understandable” in light of the board’s recent turbulent months.

“This has been a stressful time,” Tingley said, ”We have to remember these are volunteers, trying to do what we believe is best for the education of our students.”

This story is developing.