At a Board of Education special meeting July 27, Glen Ellyn School District 41 Superintendent Dr. Ann Riebock withdrew her list of relocation expenses from Board consideration and said she wished to forego any reimbursement. Dr. Riebock said she was delighted to be here and hoped her action would demonstrate to the community her commitment to, and focus on, the children of District 41. Dr. Riebock, who moved to Glen Ellyn from Deerfield in mid-July, never intended the list to be viewed as a request for payment and had never expressed any expectations regarding reimbursement, explained Board President John Vivoda, participating in the meeting via phone. He noted that she had provided the list only at his request.

The matter of reimbursement became a focus of public discussion after the expense list, which totaled $37,325 and included a $32,055 commission on the sale of Dr. Riebock’s home, was included in the Board meeting information that was posted on the District Web site. President Vivoda read a statement explaining that in his enthusiasm to expedite Dr. Riebock’s move to the area, he told her to submit all her expenses and made a decision to have the District cut her a check in advance of Board approval, telling her that the amount could be adjusted once the Board determined an appropriate amount. “This seemed like a practical step to take and I thought her employment contract allowed me to do this in advance of Board action,” he said. He said that he realizes now Board approval was necessary and that his actions caused concern in the community, put the Board in an awkward position and cast Dr. Riebock in an unfavorable light. Dr. Riebock has returned the payment.

“I believe that over time, our families, students, staff and others will learn that I am a dedicated, ethical educator focused on student learning,” said Dr. Riebock. “I can’t wait for school to start and I’m looking forward to continuing to meet parents, members of the community, our staff members and most especially our young learners.”