Today is Election Day in Illinois for the consolidated municipal election as voters head to the polls to cast their vote for Mayor, Village President, Clerks, Trustees, Township Supervisors, Park Districts and School Board members. An interesting development in Wayne County has drawn attention as today’s consolidated election could have a significant impact on the future of one area Superintendent. Superintendent, Shari Berger has been facing criticism from some parents with students in the Jasper Grade School District. A petition had been circulated calling for her contract not to be renewed following allegations of biased treatment and unfair discipline of some students. To date, the petition had more than one-hundred-thirty-eight signatures calling for the current school board to not renew her contract. But, following a meeting of the Jasper School Board of Education on March 20th, the board voted to extend Superintendent Berger’s contract for another year with the only NO vote from the 7-member board coming from Beth Titzer. There are currently five candidates running for four seats on the Jasper School Board. Incumbents Jarad Blanton, Joshua Zurliene, and Jon Lafikes are running for re-election with Wesley Legg and Shawn Otey seeking a seat on the board. WFIW reached out to Superintendent Berger regarding the petition and allegations and Berger responded via email yesterday evening by stating;
“I cannot discuss student discipline because many state laws govern this process that families don’t always fully understand or agree with. I can assure you that our Jasper Board of Education governs our behavior policies and oversees student discipline to ensure that a safe learning environment is maintained in consultation with our attorney. Additionally, our behavioral policies are reviewed annually by a group of stakeholders including administration, teachers, parents, and board members to be sure that our policies are equitable and reflect the values of our community. A petition was presented at the last board meeting as a result of disciplinary action taken under the direction of the Jasper Board of Education. Due to student privacy laws, no further comment be made regarding this matter. Please keep in mind that we are trying to do our best and love our students”.
Polls are now open. They will close at 7pm.
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