RIVERSIDE-BROOKFIELD $1.00
Vol. 40, No. 36
Art as advocacy Page 10
September 10, 2025
Retired RB teacher faces suit alleging S.E. Gross sexual abuse of student renovation School included in Jane dazzles Doe lawsuit for alleged negligence; district District 95 declined to comment
Dedicated early childhood wing fosters ‘calm start’ to school year
By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter
A graduate of Riverside Brookfield High School who resides in Riverside has filed a lawsuit against Gary Prokes, the former head of RBTV, and against Riverside Brookfield High School, alleging that Prokes had an illicit sexual relationship with her while she was a student and taking classes with and working under Prokes. The suit also alleges that RBHS failed to protect her from Prokes and failed to properly investigate Prokes. The plaintiff, who graduated from RBHS in 2018, filed the lawsuit on June 10 using the pseudonym Jane Doe to protect her privacy. The lawsuit, in its early stages, seeks damages in excess of $50,000 on each of five specific counts. “This case arises as a result of the See TEACHER on page 12
By GREGG VOSS Contributing Reporter
FILE
TV NEWS: Gary Prokes, a longtime RB teacher credited with building the school’s RBTV program, faces charges of sexual abuse.
Ask anyone in business – it’s always good when a project finishes on time and on budget. Such was the $2.2 million building renovation at S.E. Gross Middle School that started literally the day school ended May 30, with substantial completion by Aug. 11 – 10 days before the 2025-26 school year began. The school is at 3524 Maple Ave. in Brookfield. The project, which was paid for through the district’s general operating fund, renovated four early childhood classrooms and relocated the school’s Family and Consumer Science (FACS) lab. Color new District 95 Supt. Ryan Evans See RENOVATION on page 8
Follow us on Instagram! @riversidebrookfield_landmark Top stories, local government, features, events, dining, art, and sports right at your fingertips!