Mundelein school board ready for Spirit Day protests

Mundelein High School students upset about the recent cancellation of a popular homecoming activity may protest at tonight's school board meeting, but board members and administrators aren't concerned.

"If they decide to come and follow the rules of the board meeting, they are welcome to speak - as anyone is," Trustee Karen Havlik said.

Tonight's session is the first gathering of the seven-member panel since Principal Lauren Fagel announced Spirit Day - set for Wednesday - would be replaced by another promotion. Fagel said the prior actions of what were described as unruly and overzealous students prompted the decision.

Traditionally, students have worn colored clothing representing their classes on Spirit Day. Last year, however, 85 students were suspended for a variety of infractions relating to the celebration, Fagel said. Some students doused teens in other classes with paint, she said, and others damaged lockers and walls with paint.

As such, Wednesday's theme will be Twin Day, a day when students are encourage to dress alike. Students who dress in traditional Spirit Day colors or bring color-related paraphernalia to school Wednesday risk suspension and other disciplinary action.

Some students have threatened to protest at school Wednesday. Others have said there could be a crowd of teens at the board meeting, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

Students aren't the only people upset about Spirit Day's demise. Board member Al Hitzke said he's read e-mails from angry adults, too.

"I wouldn't be surprised if some parents showed up Tuesday night," he said.

Although residents are invited to express their opinions at the meeting, the board could limit public comments, Superintendent Jody Ware said.

The board won't add the controversy to the official agenda, Ware said. It's not a board issue, so such a move would be reactionary, she said.

Board member Vicki Kennedy has said she's heard from parents and students on both sides of the issue.

"I know everybody's upset about this, but I think the administration made a really good decision," Kennedy said. "Frankly, it was a day that really got out of control."

Ware doesn't expect problems at school Wednesday.

"We are hoping to have a very positive, successful Spirit Week," she said.