'Full Of S–': Suburban School Nepotism Alleged

SUMMIT, IL – A board member for Argo Community High School has alleged that a colleague was promised a job for her son. But officials are denying the claim.

At a November board meeting, member Nicholas Caprio said the board's president, Jennifer Grenier, made the promise to member Catherine Jozwiak.

In response, Jozwiak said Caprio was "full of s–" for bringing up her son, according to meeting minutes. Caprio asked whether profanities were needed.

The allegation was made during a discussion of the school's nepotism policy.

Caprio did not return an emailed message for comment last week. But both Grenier and Jozwiak said no promise was made.

In an email to Patch, Jozwiak said Caprio's allegation was "simply untrue."

"No such conversation occurred, and no commitment, formal or informal, was made by anyone acting on behalf of the District," Jozwiak said.

She said her son works in another district and has consistently stated he has no interest in working at Argo or in a high school environment generally.

Jozwiak said she would resign if any of her children were ever interested in applying for an Argo position. That would be to avoid even the appearance of impropriety or a violation of the school's nepotism policy, she said.

Caprio's allegation, she said, was ironic.

"There are current board members who have individuals from their own households actively employed by the District and who have received promotions and paid opportunities while those board members have remained in office," she said.

Jozwiak did not identify anyone.

Grenier also said no promise was made. She said the nepotism discussion occurred because the school lacked a clear, consistent policy.

"(A)ddressing that gap is part of our effort to strengthen transparency under new Board leadership," Grenier said. "Questions or commentary raised by individual members should not be construed as evidence of wrongdoing. This is about policy development and ensuring guardrails are in place moving forward – not about retroactive accusations or specific individuals."

In 2024, then-board member Lauren Vasquez was hired as the athletic secretary. A few days later, she resigned as a board member "due to personal matters." She started her new job shortly after.

A month later, her board post stayed in the family. Members appointed her husband, Michael Vasquez, to fill the vacancy.