KENWOOD —The King College Prep Local School Council called an emergency meeting Monday night to talk about hiring a new principal, but parents at the meeting had another big question.
What will happen to Local School Council member Reginald Jones, charged with indecent exposure for allegedly masturbating in a car near the University of Illinois-Chicago?
It was, according to authorities, his third arrest for indecent exposure.
“Would you agree that your integrity should be without question?” parent Robert Davis asked the LSC at the meeting. “Mr. Jones, when do you expect to resign?"
That question was quickly tabled by the LSC at the school at 4445 S. Drexel Blvd., and it declined to address Jones' arrest.
The LSC learned of the September arrest on Friday. Jones, one of the LSC's community representatives, was hit with a felony charge because authorities say it was his third offense.
“We are only going to discuss the items on the agreed agenda,” said Cathy Dale, the other community representative on the LSC, who was running the Monday meeting on the process for selecting a new principal at the school.
Jones declined to comment on his arrest, but nodded when asked if he believed he was innocent.
Jones would not lose his seat on the LSC if convicted. According to Chicago Public Schools guidelines, Jones must disclose any possible conviction, but would not have to resign unless it was a crime involving sexual abuse or assault, children, drugs or prostitution.
The LSC immediately voted to go into closed session after the exchange between Davis and Dale.
While the LSC was in closed session, parents debated whether Jones should take a leave from the council and his role in selecting the new principal at the selective-enrollment school until his case is resolved.
All but six of the parents left the debate as the LSC remained in closed session for 90 minutes, and the conversation shifted to whether parent comments were being heard by the LSC.
When the LSC returned, the members voted unanimously to open the principal selection committee to community residents.
The principal position officially will be listed as open on Dec. 14, and the selection committee will include a representative from parents, teachers, students, staff and alumni.
