Critics called for accountability. Supporters defended a legacy. And for nearly an hour, the Argo Community High School board listened.
Public comment at the Argo Community High School board meeting on May 21 centered on an ongoing investigation into Superintendent Dr. William Toulios and disputed charges on a district credit card.
Residents, alumni, and former staff voiced sharply divided opinions about Toulios’ conduct and the board’s handling of the issue. The controversy involves between $400 and $1,000 in personal charges made by a family member on the superintendent’s school credit card, which Toulios has reimbursed in full.
Dave Brady, former Argo teacher and mayor of Bedford Park, spoke in support of Toulios, highlighting his long history with the district and his ethical record. “My dealings with Dr. Toulios — he has always shown the highest ethics,” Brady said. He praised Toulios’ early work, his family’s public service, and programs like the fire academy.
In contrast, Christina Smith, a Justice resident and mother of an incoming student, criticized the board for reversing a previous vote and questioned members’ integrity. She accused the board of allowing personal relationships to interfere with oversight, singling out Board President Dr. Jennifer Grenier. Smith also commended Toulios for honoring civil rights leader Mamie Till-Mobley and said, “His actions of holding himself accountable are honorable to me, which is the opposite of what the seven of you here today have displayed.”
Attorney Frank Avila, representing Toulios, submitted a letter from local business owner Alan Defanis and highlighted the superintendent’s financial management, including increasing district reserves from $33 million to $55 million. “This is a man who gave $6 million back to the taxpayers in property tax relief,” Avila said. He confirmed the disputed charges were reimbursed and described a $2,000 reimbursement made “in an abundance of caution.”
Several speakers accused the board of failing to provide proper oversight. Jamie Linton, an Argo graduate and husband of a former staff member, said board members neglected their duty to enforce policies requiring receipts for credit card purchases. “Action only came after pressure from the public and media,” he said.
Longtime Bridgeview resident Celeste Lopez called the spending “gross misspending — not mistakes” and urged Board President Grenier to step down if she lacked the time to lead effectively.
Other voices praised Toulios’ commitment to inclusion and equity. A former student noted, “As a Muslim, seeing things like the Emmett Till monument and the Ramadan school holiday — it gives a signal of care.”
However, some criticism remained sharp. Alumna and mother Catherine Pollock called Toulios’ credit card use “unacceptable” and questioned the explanation involving Toulios’ son. “A mistake is something that you do once — not continuously, not on Amazon, not on these porn websites,” she said.
After public comment, the board moved on to regular business. Members approved personnel changes, accepted resignations, and signed off on summer construction projects, including improvements to the cafeteria vestibule and baseball field drainage.
The board also approved a new pitch-and-putt golf hill, additional health insurance options for staff, and committee appointments through July 2027.
Principal Dr. Brandon Cotter and assistant principals delivered end-of-year updates. Cotter said more than 700 students have already registered for next year.
Earlier in the evening, the board celebrated the girls soccer team’s conference championship.
Athletic Director Ryan Skendzel praised their commitment. “Their hard work on the field and off the field has definitely been shown and we are extremely proud of them,” he said.
Each player received a championship ring and trophy.
The board adjourned to executive session at 8:10 p.m. Its next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 16.
