In a vote of six to three leaning in favor of, the motion to extend Dr. Donald Durley’s contract as Director of Schools for another four years passed at last weeks Grundy County School Board meeting. Dr. Durley’s contract is set to end at the end of this year and the contract that was approved by the board is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027 and end on December 31, 2030.

Various school board members voiced their opinions and the reasoning behind their individual votes, citing reasons that included how long the term was scheduled to last, ADA compliance, and the high demand and low supply for superintendents across the state.

Angela Nunley was the first board member to address the board and director, and she asked if the school was ADA compliant.

“As far as your ADA compliance, if you look at your federal manuals and other things, there are certain areas that 1980 construction and/or 1977 construction that will not allow you to be ADA compliant.”, stated Dr. Durley. “I think anything can be fixed if you’re willing to put forth the amount of money it takes to fix it. There are several things that we have repaired since I’ve been here. One of the most disturbing things that we’ve had, that I’ve encountered, was a young man that was not able to use the restroom by himself because the proper handles had not been installed. No director had ever taken the time to actually walk through and find that out themselves.” “Are we one hundred percent perfect? No we are not.” continued Durley. “Nor have we ever been. Are we continuing to try to improve? Yes we are.” Lindsey Sitz followed with her position, stating that she wasn’t necessarily unhappy with Dr Durley’s performance, but she thought that four years was too long to commit to someone so new to the district. “I always said that I would be transparent with everyone, so I want everyone to know how I feel before we vote on this.”, stated Lindsey Sitz. “I look at this topic from a business standpoint and not a personal relationship. I’m not opposed to extending the directors contract. I want everyone to know that. But what I’m not comfortable with is extending it with a four year extension, this time. I personally do not feel that we have