D-207 Calls Special Meeting to Discuss Hazing

Maine Township High School District 207 announced it will convene a special board meeting to discuss the report of hazing at Maine West High School on Wednesday, March 20 at 4:30 p.m.

During the closed session portion of the meeting, board members are scheduled to discuss employment of employees and pending and probable or imminent litigation, according to the agenda. The public meeting, which is scheduled to take place in the principal’s conference room at Maine West, according to the agenda, will include a period of time for public comments.

David Beery, spokesperson for D-207, stated in an email to Patch that the board would not take any action at the meeting on Wednesday.

“The board is getting a status update on matters relating to the hazing incident and investigation,” Beery stated.

The announcement of D-207’s meeting was the latest in an ongoing series of developments in the Park Ridge-based high school district since current and former Maine West students reported incidents of hazing and bullying at the Des Plaines high school.

In March, Christopher Addante, Maine West’s athletic director, announced he will discontinue his work in that position at the end of this school year.

In February, D-207 has announced a number of actions in response to the reports of hazing and bullying including training for employees, anti-hazing pledges, focus groups, an anonymous tip line and more. The district also hired a consultant to manage the focus groups and report to the board regarding recommendations.

Investigations conducted by the Department of Children and Family Services resulted in some substantiated evidence there was abuse or neglect with respect to two school employees, according to the government agency.

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