Hazel Crest school board under fire for travel, hotel spending

HAZEL CREST, Ill. (WGN) — A south suburban school district is facing scrutiny over its spending practices. Hazel Crest District 152 ½ will hold a school board meeting Monday night amid concerns about expenses for travel and lodging.

Records show nearly $100,000 was spent on food and hotel costs between Jan. 2024 and June 2025. Notable charges include more than $7,700 at the Bellagio Hotel in Oct. 2024 for board members to attend the Cube Conference.

But much of the spending has occurred closer to home.

The district paid more than $15,000 to the Marriott in Oak Brook last month for a team-building retreat, $13,317 to the Marriott in Schaumburg in July 2025 and over $10,000 at the Oak Brook Marriott again in Feb. 2025.

Board President Dean Barnett defended the spending, telling WGN-TV that the charges are legitimate.

“Is that a lot of money to spend? Well, we are one of the first school districts in the state to run out of money in the middle of the school year. For us to have clawed our way back and to be among the top in the state for financial recognition, two days away at $15,000 with a $37 million fund balance is not a great deal of money, but I understand what you’re saying, and I respect what you’re saying,” Barnett said.

WGN-TV requested interviews with the district’s assistant superintendent and superintendent, who earns just over $190,000 annually. Neither has responded.