Support for Downers Grove South band director gains momentum

DOWNERS GROVE - A groundswell of support is building for Downers Grove South High School band director DaJuan Brooks, who is expected not to return to his position at the end of the school year.

Brooks, 27, was informed during a recent meeting with Downers Grove South Principal Edward Schwartz that he would not be recommended for renewal, said Brooks’ attorney Kimberly Backman.

Backman said Brooks, who is a non-tenured teacher, received a performance review in which he was rated highly in four of the six categories.

“On its face, the review is inconsistent with a non-renewal,” Backman said.

Word of Brooks' uncertain future at the school spread quickly over the weekend and led to the creation of a Change.org petition calling on the District 99 school board and Superintendent Hank Thiele to retain him.

“Our band director Mr. DaJuan Brooks' contract will be up for renewal next week, and he will most likely be removed from his position as band director at the end of this school year,” according to the petition, which was started by student and band member Annie White.

More than 2,600 people have signed the petition since it was posted on Feb. 22.

“Mr. Brooks has been such an impactful figure to everyone in the school, not just band students," the petition stated. "He loves his kids, and treats us like family. In marching band, we learn about leadership and the qualities of being a good person. Brooks holds us to an acronym that we call BRAVING, which stands for Boundaries, Responsibility, Accountability, Vulnerability, Integrity, Non-judgment and Generosity–something we follow on and off the field."

Band members and parents are expected to attend the Feb. 24 District 99 school board meeting in support of Brooks.

District officials would not comment on Brooks status, but said they are aware of the support for him and the passion for the Downers Grove South band program.

“Although we cannot comment on Mr. Brooks specifically, all new teachers are evaluated based on their planning, instructional practices, relations with students and professionalism,” Jill Browning, the district’s director of communications, said in a statement.

“Individual students or parents may see a portion of each of these, or none at all, in their interactions with a teacher. All of these factors, along with other employee performance measures, are used by the administration to determine if teachers in their first four years are brought back for the next year.

“As this is a personnel matter, we are unable to respond to questions or statements about any individual employee’s progress or potential future status heading into the end of the school year," Browning said. "We have let people know that we appreciate and will consider the additional feedback that they have shared.”

The Change.org petition said Brooks is committed to both the band and the students.

"Mr. Brooks brings out the best in all of us and is the heart and soul of the band program. He gives us a home on the field and in the school. As all of his students can agree, Brooks isn’t just a teacher. He truly loves his job and will do anything for his band, and this is why we do more than just march on the field," the petition stated.

Cinda Lester, the mother of two band members, said a small number of complaints from parents about how he Brooks holds students accountable might be the reason why he's not being recommended for renewal.

"In two years, the principal has head maybe four complaints about the teacher," said Lester, who works as a band volunteer. "To me, it seems the squeaky wheel gets the grease."

"Clearly, the man is supported by the students," Lester said. "Why is no one listening to the students?"

Brooks was hired to direct the marching band, jazz workshop and all concert bands in March 2018.

Brooks attended the University of Arizona where he majored in clarinet performance, according to 2018 profile published in the Downers Grove South student newspaper. During his time at the university, he taught marching band at five schools, played in both wind ensemble and orchestra and taught clarinet to other students.

He later became a drum major and received his double master’s degree in music education and clarinet performance at Northwestern University, according to the profile.