Argo Community High School District 217 Board President Dr. Jennifer Grenier publicly addressed the community for the first time Monday night since assuming her new role, speaking directly to the ongoing controversy over possible misuse of district funds.
At a special board meeting on May 5, Grenier read a prepared statement to a packed room, acknowledging frustration within the community and outlining next steps the board is taking to restore trust.
“Over the past year, our district has been faced with a serious issue involving the possible misuse of school funds by our superintendent,” Grenier said. “While the full extent of this situation is still being reviewed — and our review will look back several years — the possibility of misconduct has understandably caused frustration, concern and disappointment throughout our community.”
She apologized for the oversight that allowed the situation to happen and said accountability and reform are top priorities moving forward.
Among the steps outlined:
- The hiring of independent auditor BDO USA, which Grenier described as “a respected global firm known for its professionalism, thoroughness and positive reputation.”
- Retaining an outside law firm to advise on the legal aspects of the matter and help implement stronger financial safeguards.
“All individuals found to be involved in any wrongdoing will be held fully accountable,” Grenier said.
She also encouraged the public to contact the board with concerns or questions and said any emails sent to her will be shared with all board members “to ensure that all board members have the same information and can fulfill their responsibility with complete transparency.”
Grenier reminded attendees that board positions are unpaid volunteer roles, and while she will make every effort to respond to emails promptly, replies may come outside regular business hours.
“We’ll continue to provide updates as the process moves forward, and I thank you for your continued involvement,” she said. “Together, we’re going to move forward with accountability, transparency and renewed purpose.”
The board entered executive session at 6:37 p.m. to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, and potential or pending litigation. Grenier told attendees there would be no further board action following the closed-door session and the meeting would adjourn upon return to open session.
One parent in attendance, Razie Memishi, voiced frustration with the board’s handling of the matter and questioned the decision to place former Superintendent William Toulios on paid administrative reassignment.
“Hopefully all this stuff gets more situated, more transparency,” Memishi said. “But, like, my thing is, if they all knew about it, why are they all still here? And then he didn’t get paid for leave? Like, I don’t understand. Don’t you think he got paid enough?”
Memishi said she has five children, two of whom currently attend Argo.
The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, at 6:30 p.m.