District 124 Searching for Southeast Elementary Principal

will see an administration change in the next school year. recently posted a job opening for principal of Southeast on its employment website.

The job was posted just one day after the where staff and parents showed support for Southeast principal Shaton Wolverton.

"Our Southeast family, who's in the audience, would like Mrs. Wolverton and you, the school board to know how much we appreciate her leadership, her guidance, her support and her love," said Southeast teacher Laura Anzelmo during the public comments section of the board meeting.

She and other staff wore blue Southeast Elementary polo shirts in support of Wolverton and gave a standing ovation after her comment. Wolverton mouthed "Thank you."

Following a tip from an anonymous source, when Patch asked District 124 superintendent Diane Cody hours before the meeting about a possible administration change, Cody said, “Because it’s a personnel issue, it’s confidential,” but did not share the circumstances surrounding the change. “Action will be taken at the meeting tonight, but there’s really nothing else I can tell,” said Cody.

Wolverton was not immediately available to comment.

"You should not accept the resignation of Mrs. Wolverton. The bully should be the one having to resign tonight," said District 124 parent Jennifer Valdez, likening Cody to a "bully." "I urge you to investigate both sides before making your decisions." Valdez said, adding that "I would love to see D124 come together, stronger and to make our district the elite model."

Patch could not confirm the administrative action that inspired the support and created the job opening.

Evergreen Park resident Rosalyn Carson said she's been affiliated with the district as a parent and now as a grandparent.

"My basic concern for the school now is that the children won't have the guidance, the teachers won't have the guidance, or the parents. This principal has made it where parents come together as a group," said Carson.

She added, "To see them do this to Mrs. Wolverton, she should be the first to go—the leader."

Before becoming Southeast Elementary School's first African American principal eight years ago, Wolverton served 13 years in educational administration and 18 cumulative in education.

District 124 is looking to fill the Southeast principal position by April 10, according to its employment website.

Patch will update as information becomes available.

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