Former LW Superintendent Bails on Boards, Sells Frankfort Home

Lincoln-Way High School District 210's retired superintendent has left two local boards and sold his home in Frankfort.

Lincoln-Way residents haven't heard much from Lawrence Wyllie, 77, even as the current board casts blame on his leadership as the source of many of the district's current financial woes. He moved to Florida following his retirement from the district and has stayed mum as the district flounders on the state financial watch list.

He's gone for good now, it seems—his Frankfort home was listed for sale for $549,000 on April 27, and went under contract the same day, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Wyllie, who retired in 2013 at the age of 74 after 24 years running Lincoln Way, has a second home in Florida.

He recently resigned from the boards with the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra and the University of St. Francis, the Tribune says.

Since the board announced it would have to close 8-year-old Lincoln-Way North to climb its way off the state's financial watch list, parents have called for Wyllie to be held accountable for his role.

The Tribune has focused on these matters in reporting about his time at the helm:

• spent $45,000 for a "Super Dog" training academy. No benefit to the students.
• 10-year no-bid contract extension for Nancy's Day Care, which is primarily used by L-Way teachers with children. The daycare used district space rent-free. The district also bought $90,000 in playground equipment for the day care. 
• $5 million purchase of swath of land in Manhattan Township. $195,000 in commission went to a firm run by the Lincoln-Way Foundation's then-president.
• $368,000 paid by taxpayers into a retirement annuity fund.

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