Kendall County Democratic Central Committee Responds to Resignation of Oswego 308 Board of Education president.
“We are disheartened to learn the Board of Education president of Oswego School District 308, Dr. Donna Marino, has resigned and we are infuriated by the vitriol and threats of harm made against her and her family which prompted her resignation.”
Dr. Donna Marino brought a unique lens through which to engage with the work of the Board of Education in moving the District forward. As a mental health expert, her skill set provided a critical perspective for the District during a time when students, faculty, and staff members are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and trauma brought on by nearly two years of navigating a global pandemic.
“The level of hostility toward Dr. Donna Marino from the community is beyond reprehensible,” stated Brooke Shanley, chair of the Kendall County Democratic Central Committee. “Hate has no place in public education, at any level, and cannot be condoned.”
In its strategic plan, District 308 seeks to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for student learning and to build community partnerships, work that the Board of Education plays a role in. However, when the level of animosity is such that police presence and extra distance is required at Board meetings, such as was necessary February 10, and forces the president of the Board to resign over concerns for her safety, it creates an environment that is counterproductive to the goals set by the District and the Board in addition to setting a poor example for our youth.
“We are grateful to Dr. Marino for her service to the community as President. We wish her well and wish new president Latonya Simelton and the Board of Education the best of luck, moving forward.”
—Kendall County Democratic Central Committee