Uncategorized

Pedestrian hit by car near Vollmer-Dixie intersection

Parker Junior High School Principal David Kennedy was placed on administrative leave on Tuesday, the second day of the 2016-17 academic year.

Flossmoor School District 161 Superintendent Craig Doster announced the action in an email to Parker parents on Tuesday morning.

  David Kennedy

“Please be assured that I and my administration will personally be at Parker during this time to provide leadership to our teachers and students,” Doster said in the email. “Our administration and staff at Parker will continue to provide your children with a high quality learning environment. I will continue to communicate any changes that directly impact our students or school.”

When contacted by the Homewood-Flossmoor Chronicle, Doster said the action is related to personnel and that he could not give a reason why Kennedy – who was named Parker’s principal in the summer of 2015 – was placed on administrative leave.

Doster also declined to say whether the action is related to a misdemeanor criminal charge against Kennedy that is pending in Will County.

Following Tuesday’s move, Parker Assistant Principal Shemeka Fountain and deans at the school will take on additional responsibilities. In addition, administrators from the District 161 main office will regularly be on hand at Parker, Doster said.

“We are addressing the situation and will bring this to a successful resolution, Doster said.

Doster said he, as superintendent, made the decision to place Kennedy on administrative leave. Kennedy will be paid during the leave.

According to a document from the Will County Circuit Court Clerk’s office, Kennedy was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery on April 24 following an incident at his home in Shorewood. Physical contact between Kennedy and his spouse allegedly took place during the incident, the court document says.

Kennedy posted 10 percent of a $15,000 bond after his arrest. His next court date is Sept. 9 when pretrial motions will be heard.

News by email

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name

Free weekly newsletter

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
Most read stories this week