End 'Circus,' Hinsdale D86 Board Told

DARIEN, IL – Residents are pushing the Hinsdale High School District 86 board to elect a new president, citing controversies over the last couple of years.

"Parents are exhausted watching our circus," resident Sonja Gill said at Thursday's board meeting. "It's time to change."

For the last couple of years, Catherine Greenspon has been the president.

She was elected that year with a majority that wanted to oust Superintendent Tammy Prentiss. They succeeded.

The year after Prentiss' exit, instability reigned – a series of five interim superintendents, controversies in a pair of basketball programs, skyrocketing legal bills, high-profile communication snafus and a wave of administrative departures.

Just this week, documents were released showing former board member Debbie Levinthal's lawyer presenting allegations against Greenspon.

With the April 1 election, four new board members – Mary Satchwell, Bobby Fischer, Liz Mitha and Baron Leacock – were elected. They are set to take office May 5.

If the past is a guide, they and current members are engaging in behind-the-scenes maneuverings in the battle for president. In 2023, some secretly met with a lawyer days before the swearing-in.

On Friday, Patch emailed messages for comment with board members on how they're handling the presidential post.

In her response, Mitha said she has been spending April getting to know the other members. She said she looks forward to collaborating with the board, regardless of who ends up in its leadership.

Fischer said he has discussed the board leadership team with about 40 residents through various channels.

"Opinions are divided; some residents advocate for accelerating our district's momentum by supporting the current leadership team, emphasizing the importance of experience and empowerment for Dr. Lach and his team," he said in an email. "Others call for a change in leadership due to concerns about previous board decisions and communication issues. Both sides present compelling examples."

Fischer continued, "I am carefully considering all perspectives, focusing on how we can put students first and make decisions that foster excellent academic outcomes and a thriving school community."

Satchwell said she has met with every incoming board member as well as the superintendent in the last few weeks.

"I’m looking forward to meeting with everyone on May 5th to begin our work together for our district," she said in an email. "It’s my understanding that board leadership will be discussed and decided upon at that meeting."

At Thursday's board meeting, several residents called for a new president. A year ago, the teachers union called for Greenspon to step down.

In her comments, Gill said she had supported the board for a long time. But she said the board's problems outweigh its good work.

"I have confidence that Ms. Greenspon came into the presidency with good intentions, but somehow things have been turned around," Gill said. "I no longer have faith in her capabilities as president."

Resident James Weck said constituents keep reading about "crises and scandals" in the district.

"What has transpired in the last couple of years is the antithesis of a well-functioning board," he said. "These issues start and stop with the president. It's time for a change in the leadership of the D86 board."

He urged the board to pick the best person for the job.

"Please set aside personal loyalties and friendships," he said.

At the end of the meeting, board member Jeff Waters spoke during the second public comments session. He sat at the table where residents speak.

"I would like to remind all elected officials that it's important to have a thick skin. People have First Amendment rights," he said.

He asked board members not to be perturbed about what they hear or read.

"For some people, the ends justify the means," Waters said. "Frankly, sometimes the means aren't ethical. So please stay strong."

In Illinois, school board members are unpaid.