Tempers Flare Between District 206 Board Members

Bloom Township School District 206 passed two controversial motions Tuesday night, bringing in a new law firm and hiring a new accounts payable clerk, despite vocal opposition from 16-year board member Robert Rossi.

Rossi opposed firing law firm Sraga Hauser and hiring the Berwyn-based Del Galdo Law Group, saying that the board had never interviewed candidates to replace Hauser. Rossi also opposed hiring board president Henry Drake's wife, Shirley, as a clerk, calling it a conflict of interest. 

(Click on the accompanying video to see the board's discussion about firing Sraga Hauser and hiring Del Galdo.)

The board passed both motions with a 4-3 vote, as board members Bev Goncher and Pat Donahue sided with Rossi.

In the past two weeks, Rossi has expressed his displeasure with the four-member block of Donald Aprati, Anthony Murphy, William Angell and Drake. Rossi singled out Drake, a former Ford Heights School District 169 board president, for being "too political."

During Tuesday’s meeting, Drake fired back at Rossi, telling Goncher and Donahue to reconsider any alliance.

"I understand how you feel, Pat and Bev," Drake said. "For two years I served with you gals and never had a problem. But I don't want you guys following this guy, because I'll tell you something. Mr. Rossi, I'm going to be a good president."

But Drake wasn't finished. He reiterated a point he has made previously—that he thinks Rossi is targeting him because he is a young black man from Ford Heights.

"You know how you make the people of Ford Heights feel?" Drake asked Rossi. "It feels like you're prejudiced. You always attack. You've always got something to say, Bob. I could let you sit on that end and just go 4-3 for the rest of my two years on purpose, just to irk you. But I'm not going to do that because I've got the kids at heart first."

During the public participation segment of the meeting, several clergy members from Chicago Heights and Ford Heights spoke in support of Drake and said they felt Rossi was singling out the new president.

"One person (does) not run everything," said Bishop L.D. Hopkins, of Ford Heights. "The question, to me, should have been asked to every individual board member."

Rossi repeatedly defended his position by reminding the audience about Drake's position.

"Mr. Drake is our school board president," Rossi said. "He is supposed to lead us.  I have an issue. I think it's very political."

Current Ford Heights School District 169 board president Joe Sherman was at the meeting, and he called for peace between his predecessor and Rossi.

"You guys are all in disarray," Sherman said. "It's not about Mr. Drake. It's about what's best for the kids."

Before the board went into executive session, Bloom Supt. Glen Giannetti took the middle ground, hoping for less turbulence in the future.

"I pray it's not going to be a hindrance to the board," Giannetti said. "If the board members want to go at it, that's fine—as long as they leave the kids out of it. I've seen four, five board presidents. There's always going to be a little bickering."