Naperville District 203 School Board members voted 5-2 Monday to renew Superintendent Dan Bridges’ contract through June 30, 2031, over the objections of several parents who said the district lacks transparency and communication.
The contract renewal comes amid concerns raised by a set of parents over multiple board meetings this summer in regards to an elementary school teacher who has allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior with their child.
The parents, David and Jessica Geslak, said the teacher crossed the lines of what is acceptable behavior, something that’s been an ongoing issue for more than 2½ years.
Last month, the parents told the school board the teacher growled and blew in their child’s ear and put food directly in the mouths of students. They also said the teacher texted them a video of their child and another student from a personal cell phone on a Saturday night.
“Since the July 20 board meeting, my wife and I have heard from numerous district families who share remarkably similar experiences — for over a decade — involving concerns about their children,” David Geslak told the board Monday. “In every case they have the same ending — inadequate response.”
He said they were initially told there was an investigation. They want a review of how the reports were handled and to hold anyone accountable who didn’t follow proper protocol, he said.
“When leadership fails to respond appropriately to serious concerns, it also undermines the trust placed in every educator who is responsible for our student’s well-being,” Geslak said.
Bridges said student safety is the district’s main priority and every report is taken seriously and reviewed. State and federal privacy laws strictly prohibit the district from commenting on specific personnel matters or individual student allegations, he said. Concerns are investigated through established administrative protocols and relevant state agencies, with appropriate action taken based on verified factual evidence, he said.
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A Naperville Police Department spokesman said the agency is reviewing allegations raised by a parent who spoke with a school resource officer.
About 40 parents attended Monday’s board meeting, with a handful speaking out against the contract extension. Several said they don’t feel heard, and cited the Geslak’s situation as one example.
Parent Eden Bonsonto said families have brought concerns over teacher misconduct to the district but have felt ignored.
“The district response has left many families believing that protecting the institution took priority over protecting our students,” she said. “That perception alone should concern every one of you. … But to be very clear, our students in this district are successful not because of your leadership but in spite of it.”
Parent Kat Stark said families received a notice of the contract extension a few days ago, but it was ambiguous whether it was a done deal. She said the community deserves transparency and open communication.
Stark also cited concerns over plans to implement the Innovative School Day, an administrative proposal to shift the start and end times of the school day and change to block scheduling that failed after parents, students and staff objected.
Other concerns included district finances, deficit spending and tough contract negotiations in which teachers last year threatened to strike.
“Naperville deserves to give somebody a chance to prove that our children actually come first,” parent Amy Sandison said.
Bridges said he is committed to making D203 one of the premier districts, and addressed statements raised by parents in the room.
“I hear you,” Bridges said. “I understand your concerns, and it’ll be my mission and my job to work hard to rebuild or build trust that you deserve.”
Board members who spoke in favor of the contract extension cited several accolades the district has earned, including 12 National Blue Ribbon designations. The state report card most recently named six SD203 schools as exemplary and 15 as commendable, the top two rankings, board Vice President Kristine Gericke said.
Families move to the area to be in the district, she said.
“The education our children receive is top-notch by any measure,” Gericke said. “These recognitions and accolades are things evaluated from past accomplishments. They are not awarded in anticipation of an achievement. They are awarded because it has already happened and/or it continues to be in progress.
“I will never take away the work that occurs in a classroom. The relationships that form there are the foundation for learning. The teachers work with principals that set the tone for collaboration, professional development and instructional expectations. Those principals are placed in the buildings by the superintendent who holds every leader to the high standards that this community expects.
“Water does not run uphill,” she said.
Board member Amanda McMillen said she recognizes the community’s frustrations from teacher negotiations and budget reductions. She said staff has expressed issues with morale.
“I do not dismiss those concerns. They are important, and they deserve our attention,” she said.
However, McMillen said Bridges’ overall record of leadership warrants an extension. Some of his accomplishments include closing the learning gap from the pandemic, helping high school students earn college credit and internships and passing a carbon action plan to reduce the district’s carbon footprint.
Board member Holly Blastic, who along with Melissa Kelley Black voted against the contract, said she could not support renewing it based on the community’s lack of confidence and trust.
“As a community, we cannot move forward and be successful if our parents (and) our staff are not confident and comfortable in joining collaboratively to move forward,” Blastic said. “… I just want to see us have the opportunity to move in a new direction. Not against anything that we have done. I think it is an opportunity for us to move forward in a new and positive light.”
Bridges became superintendent in 2011 and previously served as the district’s assistant superintendent for secondary education.
He started his education career as a middle school social studies teacher and has also worked as an elementary, junior high and high school principal.
Bridges has a bachelor’s degree in history/secondary education from Millikin University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Aurora University and an education specialist degree in education administration from Northern Illinois University.
He also serves on the boards and committees of various organizations, including the Naperville Education Foundation, Naperville Rotary Club, KidsMatter Advisory Board and the 360 Youth Services Advisory Board.
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Details of the employment agreement were not available Monday, but are expected to be posted on the district’s website.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.