Young-Gibson v. The Board of Education of the City of Chicago

(Modified upon rehearing 11/23/11.) Board of Education removed Plaintiff from her position as a high school principal prior to expiration of her four-year contract, based on Plaintiff's failure to lead school toward progress to remove it from probation status due to poor student performance and attendance. Evidence was presented as to Plaintiff's unwillingness and inability to focus school on instruction and to collaborate with staff. Court erred in holding that Board was required to comply with section 34-85 of School Code in removing Plaintiff as principal. Board properly followed procedural requirements of Sections 34-8.3(a), (b), and (c) of School Code, which apply to removal of principals for schools on probation, and Board's decision to remove Plaintiff as principal was not against manifest weight of evidence. (McBRIDE and GARCIA, concurring.)