Fallout from the William Toulios scandal continued in December when the Argo school board came to an agreement with Joe Rojek, the district’s assistant superintendent of finance, who approved improper credit card bills.
Under terms of the agreement approved at the Dec. 17 school board meeting, board President Jennifer Grenier and acting Superintendent Brandon Cotter will write letters of recommendation for Rojek and, in exchange, Rojek will not sue the school.
Rojek will continue to serve until the end of the school year in June.
While not accused of wrongdoing, Rojek was criticized by investigators for weakening financial controls that allowed the improper spending to continue.
Argo alumna and Bridgeview resident Dawn Ledbetter spoke during the public comment period and criticized the board’s response to Toulios’ spending and what she described as board failures in oversight and accountability.
Another speaker, Pam Young, offered supportive remarks about Cotter, praising his leadership and urging the board to allow him to continue guiding the district forward.
Levy approved
Rojek presented the district’s 2025 property tax levy, telling board members the district remains in good financial shape despite rising costs and delayed tax revenue.
Rojek said the district has not yet received its second installment of 2024 property taxes, a delay affecting many school districts across Cook County, but said Argo has avoided issuing tax anticipation warrants.
About 78 percent of the district’s budget supports teaching and learning, with salaries and benefits making up the largest share of spending, he said.
Transportation costs, however, have increased sharply after the district went out to bid. Rojek said Argo had previously been paying about 60 percent of what comparable districts pay for busing. After rebidding contracts, the district took a significant hit, including higher special education transportation costs.
Roughly $500,000 was shifted to help build non-capital funds.
The levy approved by the board totaled just under $38 million. Board President Jennifer Grenier called for a roll call vote, and the measure passed unanimously, 7–0.
The board also approved the disposal of obsolete technology equipment, the monthly finance report and December accounts payable and imprest spending totaling $1,599,711.85. Each item passed on unanimous votes.
Grenier called the board into executive session at 7:10 p.m. to discuss personnel and legal matters as permitted under the Open Meetings Act. The board returned to open session at 7:58 p.m.
After returning from closed session, the board unanimously approved the December 2025 personnel report, which included new hires and resignations.
The District 217 board will meet next on Jan. 21.