Homer District 33C Mum On Claims Art Class Canceled Over Concerns

LOCKPORT, IL — Officials from Homer Community Consolidated School District 33 are remaining quiet over whether they canceled art classes for elementary school students on Thursday amid concerns raised by parents of a new district teacher.

Two media outlets reported on Thursday that the district had canceled art classes on the first day of school after parents raised questions over the hiring of a new art teacher and, more specifically, social media posts reportedly connected to that teacher.

However, on Friday, Michael Portwood, assistant superintendent for human resources for the district, did not specifically address an email from Patch asking if classes on Thursday had been canceled. Instead, he included a statement issued on Thursday by District 33 C Superintendent Craig Schoppe, which said the district cannot speak specifically to personnel matters.

Portwood then added that there was “more to come.”

He did not immediately return an email asking for a specific timeline for more information, and again asking for confirmation about the cancellation of the art classes on Thursday.

Fox 32 in Chicago reported that the teacher — who has not been publicly identified — was hired to teach art at four different elementary schools within District 33C. Parents have questioned the hire on social media platforms and message boards — including Patch.com — claiming that the teacher had posted offensive material on social media. Parents expressed concerns over the posts in the TV report and claimed the district erred in hiring the teacher.

In response to complaints from parents, Schoppe said in an email addressed to parents: "I do want parents to know that I have heard your concerns, understand the issues highlighted by the community, and am investigating the situation. Our utmost concern is for the continued safety and wellbeing of our students and staff and will continue to ensure that all employees are held to the same high standard of professionalism that Homer 33C has come to be known for."

Parents are expected to further question school officials at a district Board of Education meeting that is scheduled for Tuesday night.