Bremen District 228 Board Ousts President

Bremen High School District 228 Board of Education voted 4-3 to remove Board President Larry Canning from his role, following allegations of misconduct since he assumed the role in April.

Canning allegedly violated board conduct policies by threatening the employment of Superintendent Bill Kendall and principals within the district, demanding a higher salary for a special education teacher he recommended hiring, and conducting board business without consulting its other members.

Board member Debi Stearns claims Canning met with Dr. Kendall and told him “it would be in his best interests to rip up his five-year contract and that Mr. Canning would make it worthwhile to Dr. Kendall to do so.”

Also among the complaints, Stearns notes that as a board member, Canning requested that the district provide transportation during the 2014-15 school year to a Tinley Park High School student and band member who did not qualify for transportation due to the close proximity of his residence to the school. Transportation was provided for the student without cost to the parents. He also reportedly requested that Tinley Park High School provide front-row for his and board member Kim Kampwirth’s families at graduation.

In an email to Patch, Canning responded to the complaints against him, calling his removal a reaction to his attempt ”to break up a good ole boys network that exists in our district between certain entrenched board members and administration.

“I entered into this office determined to ask the tough questions that I felt were needed in order for our district to realize its full potential. I believe by doing this, I have offended the ’business as usual’ model that has reigned over our schools for far too long.”

Canning contends that he did not ”threaten” the employment of Superintendent Bill Kendall, but instead asked him to “voluntarily give back the 5-year contract extension ... as I felt it was politically motivated and not earned. ... It is my job as one of seven elected board members to oversee that Dr. Kendall is providing leadership necessary for the district to move forward in a progressive manner.”

In response to allegations that he arranged transportation for a student who otherwise did not qualify, Canning stated he was approached by a single mother who was concerned about the safety of her child. He then reportedly took the matter to Kendall, whom he says handled it from there.

Canning was elected to the board in 2013. He will retain a seat on the board, under newly appointed president Debi Stearns.

“I have told Dr. Kendall that I feel all board member recommendations should be taken seriously as we should not let talented individuals get away from our district,” Canning said.

“My efforts will continue, regardless if I have a title in front of my name or not, to address the continuing issues facing our district with student achievement, fiscal responsibility, and accountability. I encourage all district stakeholders to join me in this effort.”