The Forest Park elementary school board voted 4-1 not to renew the contract of the middle school’s interventionist coach, Joy Kibir, for the 2025-2026 school year. The vote occurred during the board meeting on June 12. Monique Cotton-Yancy was the sole vote to renew Kibir’s contract.
Dr. Robert Hubbird, District 91’s assistant superintendent of finance and operations, said he could not comment on personnel matters, but affirmed the ongoing importance of the role. He said the district is actively posting the job opening and is working to fill the position in time for the next school year.
“The district and the board still value the position and see the position as something needed for the children,” he said.
At the beginning of the meeting, public comments were made in support of Kibir by a current teacher and former students.
Joseph Almaoui, a science teacher at Forest Park Middle School, spoke about the impact Kibir has had on students over the years.
“All the kids and teachers love her,” Almaoui said. “She’s impacted kids so much. She’s just a wonderful figure for our school.”
Former student Natalie Castro, who is now a sophomore at the University of Illinois Chicago, said Kibir supported her through middle school and has remained a constant source of encouragement ever since.
“We would love for Ms. K. to continue working in School District 91,” Castro said. “She’s always been there for us to seek advice, if we needed anything. She has always been there for us, so we came here to support her.”