Illinois superintendent faces backlash over handling of sexual abuse allegations 

An Illinois school board has placed the superintendent of Fenton Community High School District 100 in Bensenville on administrative leave over his handling of sexual abuse allegations.  

During a special meeting Friday, James Ongtengco was placed on administrative leave after accusations a former staff member was having inappropriate relationships with students dating back to 2011.  

In 2011 the accused employee was given a disciplinary letter for allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to one of their students, according to CBS News. During last month’s board meeting, the accused staff member, whose name has not been released, was terminated.  

Despite the decision by board members to terminate the accused individual, frustration lingers over the delay in taking action. During the meeting, Superintendent Ongtengco and board members faced intense scrutiny for their failure to address the allegations promptly when they initially surfaced years ago.  

Calls for resignations echoed throughout the room, with attendees donning “RESIGN” T-shirts and teal lapel ribbons as symbols of solidarity, according to the Daily Herald.  

Although Ongtengco claimed the district reported all allegations to authorities, attendees demanded concrete evidence to support his assertion.  

“Show the proof,” someone in the crowd yelled, according to the Daily Herald.  

As for the board’s decision to place Ongtengco on administrative leave, many in the community argue that’s not enough.  

“While the superintendent stepping down may be a step in the right direction, it is not enough,” student Sara Guerrero said, according to CBS News Chicago. “You must be transparent about your plans to investigate the situation further.”  

Board President Cary Lewis acknowledged the community’s anger and frustration, but cited the ongoing police investigation as a reason for withholding further comments. 

The duration of Ongtengco’s administrative leave remains undisclosed, with the board citing it as a human resources matter.  

The former staff member accused in the case has yet to face criminal charges.