More Public Feedback Under LTHS Leader

LA GRANGE, IL – Under her leadership, board President Kari Dillon has allowed more public feedback than her predecessor.

Before Dillon took the helm in May 2021, the board did not allow public input at about half of its meetings – those labeled as "committee of the whole."

It also did not permit such comments during special meetings designated for closed sessions.

The prohibition on public comments for such meetings was in violation of the state Open Meetings Act.

A dozen years ago, the state legislature amended the Open Meetings Act to require an opportunity for public comment at all meetings.

A public body can set guidelines for public comments, though such rules must be neutral on content. In other words, a board cannot give preferential treatment to feedback it likes.

Last week, board member Jill Beda Daniels brought the changes under Dillon to light in an email to Patch. She was responding to criticism that the board violated the open meetings law by not citing the exception to close its doors to discuss a controversial land sale.

Daniels highlighted the addition of public comments to all meetings. She said Dillon's predecessor, President Thomas Cushing, barred comments during certain board meetings.

"Note this was changed under Dillon, and we actually provided more transparency for the community from streaming meetings, allowing public comment at (committee of the whole) and moving meetings to evenings to allow for more of the community to participate," Daniels said.

Both Daniels and Dillon are seeking re-election.