Board Issues Letter of Directive to Former President Sproat
Former school board president and current school board member Mark Sproat
Nov 27, 2017
The district 219 board of education approved a resolution for a “letter of directive” to school board member and former president Mark Sproat at a special board meeting on Mon., Nov. 20.
The letter comes following the culmination of an investigation into Sproat’s alleged abuses of power to benefit his children during his tenure as school board president between 2015 and 2017; the investigation was launched last spring amid allegations that Sproat harassed former girls varsity basketball coach Tony Konsewicz, leading to his resignation as coach.
David Ko was elected as the new board president in May 2017 after Sproat did not run for reelection, and he was the author of the directive, which was discussed in closed session among the school board members prior to the open session at Monday’s special meeting.
“We are hereby directing you to adhere to the standards described above for the remainder of your service as a board member,” Ko wrote in the letter. “While we value your voice and perspective, we also insist that your conduct reflect the utmost respect and professionalism to all stakeholders in the school community.”
Sproat remains a board of education member, and it is unclear if any further action will be taken against him by his fellow school board colleagues.
Ben • Nov 28, 2017 at 11:09 AM
Let’s all listen to the person who is related to the man accused of misconduct! There is no bias in that right?
Michelle Sproat • Nov 27, 2017 at 1:13 PM
“Sproat remains a board of education member, and it is unclear if any further action will be taken against him by his fellow school board colleagues.”
This was the end of this situation, saying that he needs to adhere to board rules and regulations, which he never disobeyed. Since he didn’t do anything wrong, there is no further action. The “harassment” claimed was all hearsay, none of it can be proven. This information being published on the NWN is inaccurate and misguided.
It is also erroneous to claim that mark Sproat used his power “to benefit his children” considering the fact that there were ZERO benefits that my sisters received during their time at Niles West due to my dad being on the board. The only thing that my family has received from my father being on the board is harrassment.
There are many more issues and topics that can be covered in regards to the school and the board. Continuing to write about Mark Sproat, my father, and my family is beating a dead horse.
I’d understand if there was something newsworthy to write about, but this is not one of those situations.
Grace, I commend you for your writing, I am not attacking you as a writer. I just believe that thie content being published needs to be evaluated.