Lake County Gazette

Parent Eddie "Coach" Weinhaus, an activist and judicial reformer, is continuing to hold Township High School District 113 accountable following its response to an incident involving the discovery of a hidden camera allegedly placed by a student in a school bathroom.

Weinhaus, known for his outspoken stance on school safety, expressed frustration with a recent letter from D113 that offered no clarity into the ongoing investigation, including the accountability of school officials.

"It seems accountability at schools is something for parents to take into their own hands if nobody except our kids suffer the consequences of school staff letdowns," Weinhaus told the Lake County Gazette. 

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The recording incident occurred at Highland Park High School but another hidden camera was found at Edgewood Middle School, which is overseen by North Shore School District 112.

Weinhaus proved prescient when he voiced concerns about the security at Highland Park during a meeting with school officials and then-District 113 Superintendent Bruce Law in May 2023. 

His latest remarks come after the D113’s letter announced new security measures. 

In the letter sent to students, staff and families, Dr. Chala Holland, Superintendent of Schools for Township High School District 113, said the district is unable to provide further details regarding ongoing criminal or Title IX investigations but emphasized changes in the district's safety plan. 

“District 113 wants to make you aware that we have implemented additional safety practices that increase the monitoring of sensitive spaces while respecting the privacy of students and staff,” Holland wrote.  

The newly implemented measures include a thorough search of all bathrooms at both schools to ensure no additional recording devices are placed. Ceiling tiles in bathrooms have also been secured with clips to deter tampering.   

Holland added that security personnel received additional training and will be more vigilant in monitoring bathrooms for any signs of tampering or hidden items.

Last week, in the wake of the incident, North Shore School District 112 sent a letter to parents announcing staff changes. However, parents, including Weinhaus, are demanding the district provide clearer information on the investigation and personnel involved.  

"It's a wonder how a district could be so tone deaf to the issues parents care about. Tell us who got fired," Weinhaus said.

Weinhaus, who has long questioned school security while advocating for heightened measures, believes the district's leadership failed to take appropriate steps to prevent such incidents. 

Immediately after the incident he remarked that the district now needs "far better lawyers" rather than just security personnel. 

Known for his activism, Weinhaus previously led a protest in St. Louis to hold a school district accountable for mishandling an anti-Semitic event targeting students.