Teachers Union Demands Ouster Of 'Incapable' D128 Superintendent

VERNON HILLS, IL — The overwhelming majority of the union representing teachers at Libertyville and Vernon Hills high schools has voted to demand the removal of the superintendent.

Nearly 90 percent of voting members of the D128 Federation of Teachers voted to approve a vote of no confidence in the leadership of Superintendent Denise Herrmann.

Made up of nearly 300 employees of Community High School District 128, the local American Federation of Teachers affiliate declared that Herrmann is not able to lead the district.

In the resolution of no confidence, the teacher's union says Herrmann has "created a chaotic and hostile work environment" that has forced out multiple administrators, that she violated the collective bargaining agreement with the union, "squandered" district funds with her bad financial decisions, blocked stipends and tenure from teachers and misrepresented the involvement of teachers in district decisions, among other things.

Monica Caldicott, a library media specialist at Vernon Hills High School and the local union president, said in a statement that students need effective leadership to be successful.

“During her nearly three-year tenure here, Dr. Denise Herrmann has repeatedly shown that she is incapable of leading our district at this important time. Our students, parents, and taxpayers deserve much better, so we took this important vote to make our voices heard and urge the school board to take action," Caldicott said.

According to the no confidence resolution, union members have tried to communicate their concerned with the superintendent but she has been unwilling to listen.

“As the district leader, our superintendent must put the needs of students above all else. By not properly identifying and planning to support students and the teachers and staff who serve them, Dr. Herrmann has failed to fulfill her main responsibility," Caldicott added. "At the same time, she has created an environment of distrust and disrespect."

Other allegations against Herrmann include that she allowed a department chair to issue an inflated grade to a student after a three-hour private tutoring in the summer, that she failed to meet self-assigned "culture and climate" goals and that she left students "without a fully realized system" after launching many educational initiatives.

Earlier this month, union representatives filed appeals over several class changes — the repeated cancelation of French I at Libertyville High School, the removal of Dance III at Vernon Hills High School, and the elimination of a section of American Studies at Vernon Hills, which resulted in at least nine students having their registration repealed.

Union members and parents plan to attend Monday's District 128 board meeting at Vernon Hills High School and to ask the board to immediately dismiss the superintendent it hired from St. Charles in 2021.

The no confidence resolution calls for the board to replace Herrmann with someone who "is capable of maintaining and fostering the excellence that has long been recognized at D128, as well as to promote positive change and build upon the outstanding legacy of this district." According to the teacher's union, there is now "unprecedentedly low morale" in the district.

“As teachers, we feel responsible to our students, parents, and taxpayers,” the union president said. “They deserve a superintendent who will make prudent financial decisions and build upon the outstanding legacy and student achievement in our district. Dr. Herrmann has proven she is not that leader. It’s time for change in District 128.”