From: Maniscalco,Domenico

To: BOE
Cc: Prentiss,Tamara
Subject: Fwd: Submission to the BOE for my Notice of Remedy 1
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2020 8:11:57 AM
Attachments: Submission to the BOE for my Notice of Remedy 1.docx
ATT00001.htm

Dear Board,
Tony asked me to forward you the below from Lisa Fernández.  

Please let me know if you have any questions.  

Thank you,

Dominick Maniscalco
Chief HR Officer 
Hinsdale High School District 86 

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Fernandez,Lisa" <lfernand@hinsdale86.org>

Date: April 22, 2020 at 8:34:49 PM CDT
To: "Maniscalco,Domenico" <dmanisca@hinsdale86.org>
Cc: "Shepherd, Naomi" <Naomi.Shepherd@ieanea.org>
Subject: Submission to the BOE for my Notice of Remedy 1

Dominick
I was told that I could not address the Board for my notice of remedial warning but I
could submit a letter they could read before the vote was taken.  I know that it is not
likely going to impact the outcome but I think it is important that they know the story
through my eyes.  Please confirm that they will see this statement prior to voting
tomorrow night.  Thank you!
Lisa Fernandez
 teacher or the student. Neither shall such discussions prevent open access to information on the part of
either the teacher or the student. In the best interest of the student, the teacher and the community,
controversial issues must be handled so that there is a free exchange of ideas and so that all sides of such
issue are explored.

I believe that is exactly how I implemented the prescribed curriculum. The conversation was dynamic and I guided
it so that there was a positive outcome. So many students appreciated the honest conversation we had in class. I did
not violate this policy in the faculty handbook nor did I violate the policies referenced in the Notice of Remedial
Warning.

1. Board Policy 5:120 All District employees are expected to maintain high standards in their school relationships, to
demonstrate integrity and honesty, to be considerate and cooperative, and to maintain professional and appropriate relationships
with students…
2. Board Policy 7:20 Students are entitled to be educated in an environment that is respectful of their backgrounds, characteristics,
and differences… Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to, name-calling, using derogatory slurs, causing
psychological harm, threatening or causing physical harm…

I did not violate these policies during my instruction on February 5th or ever. I took a risk and facilitated a difficult
conversation. My intention was to promote racial empathy and to serve as a role model for my students.

The allegations of violating Board policy are not a true characterization of the learning that took place in my
classroom that day. Taking my actions and words out of context have characterized me as a teacher who did not
have the best intentions for my students. My goal was to encourage intellectual curiosity and free inquiry, not
encourage racially charged or biased speech.

I took a risk and tried to be a positive and proactive role model but have been punished for it. My reputation as a
professional and as a member of my community has been tarnished by the media’s reporting of the incident. I did
not choose to engage in a public battle in an effort to correct the record or salvage my reputation as I did not want
to prolong the incident and the damage it has caused me personally.

Parents have made incorrect assumptions about my character because they read the news articles and believe I am
someone who uses racial slurs and condones unacceptable practices in my classroom. I am committed to my
students and our district. I hold myself accountable to a very high moral standard. The community does not know
me. They believe what was said about me and have no context to understand that I tried to encourage my students
to be brave. I took a risk that I regret having taken.

I ask that the Board of Education reconsider issuing a Notice of Remedial Warning or at least suspend your vote so
that I may speak to you in person and answer any questions about my use of racially sensitive words. I would never
behave in a way that would diminish or intentionally cause harm to my students.