Rantoul Superintendent Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct

The Rantoul Township High School board unanimously voted Monday night to suspend Superintendent Janet Koroscik over allegations of misconduct.

School Board member Marla Deem would not go into detail about the charges, except saying students and faculty have complained about Koroscik's leadership.

"There are just some issues that have been brought to the board's attention that we feel need to be addressed," Deem said. "It would be in the best interest of everyone involved not to let those issues out until the research has been completed."

Deem said she does not know exactly how long it will take before the school board concludes its investigation, but she said it could go on for at least a month.

Koroscik is not allowed on school premises during the suspension. She started working for the Rantoul Township High School District on July 1, 2009 on a three-year contract. She praised her own efforts in tightening security in the school, trying to boost test scores, and offering healthier food in the student cafeteria.

Still, she said during her tenure, she has had a tumultuous relationship with the school board, at times accusing its members of abusing their powers. Koroscik said she suspects that she is the target of a "witch hunt" brought on by a school board dissatisfied with her.

"I've done nothing wrong," Koroscik explained. "I just plan to get this situation resolved in the best way, so it doesn't hurt the school (and) the community."

Coincidently, the same day Koroscik was suspended, she returned to work full-time from medical leave, recovering from a blood clot in her leg. She said if the school board exonerates her, she would consider returning to work.

"I don't know how I could possibly continue to work with people who intentionally tried to destroy my career and never even gave me a chance," she said. "It was never my intention to leave Rantoul."

Koroscik refrained from saying whether anyone from the school board should resign.

While the school board investigates the charges, Principal Scott Amerio will serve as interim superintendent.

(Photo courtesy of Rantoul Township High School)