Danville District 118’s school board voted unanimously Wednesday to fire Business and Finance Director Narcissus Rankin.
Rankin said at Wednesday’s meeting she believes the move is retaliatory.
“What is most troubling about this process is the complete absence of any direct communication regarding my performance. At no time was I approached with concerns, offered feedback, or given the opportunity to improve or respond,” Rankin said.
Rankin was hired in 2015 as an assistant director of bussines and finance, right before Alicia Geddis was hired as superintendent. The school board dismissed Geddis earlier this year for working remotely long-term after receiving a racist threat.
Rankin said she believes she is being punished for her close relationship with the former superintendent.
“I was blindsided publicly and professionally without the courtesy of a conversation. It is difficult not to conclude that this decision is retaliatory and rooted in my relationship with former superintendent Dr. Geddis,” Rankin said.
Board members did not explain why they dismissed the finance director at the meeting.
In an interview Thursday, Board President Darlene Halloran said she is unable to comment in detail about personnel issues.
“This was a difficult decision. The board acted with fidelity, with evidence and good cause,” Halloran said.
Halloran said Rankin’s relationship with Geddis did not play a role in her vote.
Last month, Rankin sent a budget memo to the board estimating the district faces a deficit of $464,798. She said in the memo that deficits in past years were higher, at several million dollars.
At the time, board member Christopher Easton called it a “bad budget.” Easton said in an email on Thursday he voted for Rankin’s dismissal on the recommendation of Superintendent John Hart.