Hinsdale D86 Official Still Against Early Release Days

DARIEN, IL – The Hinsdale High School District 86 board on Thursday approved the calendars for the next two school years, but one member dissented.

Member Jeff Waters said he opposes the inclusion of early release Wednesdays, as he has since they started three years ago.

He said the move means less classroom time for students than they received before the pandemic. Under the calendar, students are dismissed at 1:55 p.m.

The idea was to give students a chance for extra help from teachers and for faculty to collaborate.

In May 2023, Waters and member Peggy James voted against the teachers union contract. One of their issues was that early release Wednesdays meant a 17-hour reduction in classroom time.

At the time, James specifically mentioned the issue.

"I value the time when (teachers) are in the classroom with their students," she said.

On Thursday, James joined the 6-1 majority in approving the calendars for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years. Each year contains 28 early release Wednesdays.

In another decision, the board unanimously approved an agreement with the village of Clarendon Hills for a special tax district that will divert some property tax money for improving that district.

District 86 had opposed the village's plan for what is known as a tax increment district, but Clarendon Hills made concessions.