THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2008
Euclid Principal Gone After Alleged Threat
By RICHARD MAYER
Journal Reporter
Recently departed Euclid Elementary School Principal Maria Martinez was "relieved of her duties" at the end of the day on Thursday, Mar. 20 after she allegedly threatened to kill the school secretary and Supt. Dr. Dane Delli earlier in the day, according to information obtained by the Journal.
According to a filed report, Mt. Prospect police responded to the district's administration building on Kensington Road at 5 p.m. on Mar. 19 in regards to a "disturbance call" relating to Martinez.
Supt. Dr. Dane Delli said he was advised by the district's attorney not to discuss what the police report entails. However, Delli said the police report is "accurate" in connection to what allegedly occurred except the date of the incident. He said the incident occurred on Mar. 20.
"An issue occurred and the district was resorted to take prompt action, based on the information," said Delli.
Delli said when he was informed about what had allegedly happened, he immediately conferred with school board members to determine what actions to take to resolve the matter. He said the board agreed to remove Martinez immediately.
On the same day, Mitch Dubinsky was named interim principal for the remainder of the year.
Delli reiterated that this was a situation that did not involve or jeopardize children at the school at any time.
A letter written by Delli was sent to all Euclid parents on Monday, Mar. 24 stating the change in leadership. The letter stated: "As some of you may already know, Mrs. Maria Martinez resigned as principal of Euclid School effective at the conclusion of this school year. Due to private circumstances, I need to inform you that Mrs. Martinez's last day as principal was Mar. 20, 2008. She will not be returning to Euclid School. I have named Mr. Mitch Dubinsky interim principal for the balance of the school year and I know that Euclid will be under very capable leadership."
Delli also said two parents inquired why Martinez left the district abruptly, and he said he told them it's a "personal matter" and he can't talk about it.
"This was unforeseen," said Delli. "You do not expect to come to work and deal with something like this. My first priority is to protect the kids and the school."
Delli said Martinez was given an opportunity to retrieve the rest of her personal items from her office, but she didn't take advantage of that opportunity.
He said the district will most likely send the rest of her belongings to her home.
Martinez was in her fourth year at Euclid and was expected to leave her position effective June 30. The school board officially approved her resignation on Feb. 6 of this year. Martinez remains under contract through June 30 and will continue to be paid her base salary of approximately $102,000.
Delli said he is "unaware" if Martinez was leaving to take another position somewhere else.