Baron Leacock, Hinsdale D86 Candidate

HINSDALE, IL – Baron Leacock is one of six candidates for four seats on the Hinsdale High School District 86 board.

Here are his responses to the Patch questionnaire:

Name:

Baron Leacock

Town of residence:

Hinsdale

Age:

46

Campaign contact email:

baron4d86@gmail.com

Family:

Wife Laura, 3 young children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education:

Harvard University, BA Psychology Columbia University, JD

Occupation:

Options Trader

Previous or current elected or appointed office:

N/A

The single most pressing issue facing the school board is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Preserving the commitment to excellence that has been expected from D86.

I am committed to preserving and enhancing the reputation of District 86. Concerning data shows a decline in student test scores, and if elected to the board, I will thoroughly examine this data and work to empower the administration to implement necessary changes. District 86 should remain a top choice for families, and we must take proactive steps to ensure its excellence.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking in this post?

As a proud product of District 86, I know firsthand the impact of a strong education. My father grew up in another country without running water or electricity, and through the transformative power of education, became a lawyer and law professor. He settled his family in this district, which sent me from Hinsdale South to Harvard. My sister went to Princeton, my other sister went to U of I. Doctor and lawyers all. Education was the focus in our house, which is why my parents chose to settle us in D86. I want every child in our community to have the same opportunities to thrive and succeed that we had.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence that you can handle this job?

My experience in education and work is broad. I received my undergraduate degree from Harvard University and my law degree from Columbia University Law School. I’ve worked in several industries including real estate development, tax consulting, derivatives trading, and tech startups. I’ve lived all over the US, giving me a unique perspective. But most of all, being father to three brilliant and rambunctious children five and under, well let’s just say, there isn’t much this job can throw at me that would be harder to deal with than anything my children literally throw at me on a daily basis. It’s for them, and for all the other kids coming along, that I plan to work hard every day, the same way my parents and the folks in D86 worked hard for me when I came along.

How would you rate the performance of the current school board majority? Explain.

I respect anyone who chooses to serve their community, but the current and former boards have not effectively engaged with the public. We should change that. As board members, we serve as a bridge to the community. There needs to be meaningful engagement by holding quarterly listening sessions to hear directly from constituents about the issues affecting District 86.

Do you support keeping Catherine Greenspon as the school board president? Why or why not?

It is too early to endorse any candidate before the election. If I am fortunate enough to be elected, I am open to supporting any board member seeking the presidency, and certainly Catherine.

Why do you think the district experienced a surge in administrative turnover last year?

Turnover is inevitable when new leadership takes over a school district. Additionally, administrators typically stay in their roles for an average of three years, often leaving for promotions and career growth opportunities.

Are the district's property taxes too high, too low or just about right? Explain.

Excellence in education shouldn’t come at an ever-growing cost to taxpayers. District 86’s success is driven by great teachers and a supportive community, yet administrative costs have increased while direct student support has declined. We must prioritize getting more dollars into classrooms rather than bureaucracy.

As a school board member, I will advocate for smarter spending, greater accountability, and fiscal responsibility. Inflation has driven up costs in areas like transportation and utilities, while declining enrollment presents additional challenges. Student performance data is falling across all cohorts, with the most vulnerable students being the most affected.

Great schools don’t need bigger budgets—they need better priorities.

What is your view of students' performance on standardized tests? What can be done to improve scores?

It is crucial to identify the root causes of academic decline and address them directly. I want to analyze this data to understand why. As a board member, I will have access to this information and will work to empower administrators to make data-driven improvements.

Additionally, fostering collaboration between District 86 and its feeder districts on curriculum alignment will benefit all stakeholders, ensuring a smoother transition for students and strengthening overall academic performance.

How can the district narrow the gap in performance between low- and high-income students?

District 86 must ensure that all students have access to opportunities that align with
their unique paths, whether they are college-bound, entering the workforce, or pursuing specialized skills. To achieve this, the district should:
● Meet students where they are by offering opportunities tailored to their level of preparation, ensuring that all learners have the support and resources they need to succeed.
● Structure the Program of Studies to address academic gaps effectively.
● Expand student-driven initiatives, such as peer tutoring, to foster camaraderie and engagement.
● Strengthen collaboration with feeder districts to create a seamless transition and support student success.

By prioritizing these efforts, D86 can better equip students with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving educational landscape.

What should the district do to close the disparity between Central and South, in which South has a smaller selection of courses?

To ensure equitable access to courses across both campuses, D86 should explore creative scheduling solutions, particularly for core curriculum and popular electives.
Strategies to address disparities and maximize resources include:
● Structuring the Program of Studies to minimize scheduling conflicts and course cancellations.
● Utilizing the expanded lunch period and district transportation to facilitate cross-campus offerings.
● Offering low-enrollment classes every other year to sustain diverse course options while optimizing resources.

Would you adjust the attendance boundary between Central and South? Why or why not?

My read is that the community values the distinct identities of both Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South, recognizing the strengths of each school environment. It’s important to respect these perspectives while finding ways to enhance academic opportunities within each campus. Ensuring that all students, wherever they reside, have access to a strong curriculum and diverse course offerings is one of my core priorities.

Should the board consider the possibility of dropping property values when changing the boundary between Central and South? Why or why not?

No answer.

What is your view of the skyrocketing legal bills over much of the last year?

Changes in administration often bring a need for legal support, leading to increased legal expenses. Recently, legal bills have risen, primarily due to matters discussed in closed sessions. Without direct access to these discussions, identifying a specific cause is speculative. These costs are significant however, and maintaining fiscal responsibility is a core priority for me.

Should the district have removed nine years' worth of public records requests from its website? Why or why not?

Based on my understanding from board meetings, the records were archived and remain accessible to the public upon request. Many public entities, including ISBE, do not maintain a public FOIA log, making District 86’s level of transparency notable.

Is the district teaching critical race theory, Marxism or any other ideologies? If so, what should be done about it?

I have not been made aware of any CRT present at D86.

Do you support the school board majority or the teachers union in the battle over the social studies curriculum?

Per board policy, the Board of Education is responsible for approving—though not writing—curriculum proposed by the administration. While the board may occasionally reject curriculum, it is the administration’s role to revise and present policies that align with student and community needs.

The board serves as a bridge between the administration and the community, ensuring that educational policies reflect the collective interests of both educators and families while maintaining academic excellence.

Was the attorney general right to find the school board in violation of the Open Meetings Act when members originally decided behind closed doors to suspend the superintendent? Why or why not?

The Attorney General is well-versed in regulations and codes governing Board of Education operations. Since this matter was discussed in closed session, I do not have direct knowledge of what occurred. Therefore, I defer to the appropriate entities that have the necessary insight and authority regarding this incident.

How is the district doing in getting good and bad news to the community?

The district actively engages with the community through various social media platforms, a recently upgraded website, and other communication channels to keep students and families informed. With the recent hire of Alex Mayster as Executive Director of Communication, efforts to share district news have been strengthened.

As a community member, I would love to see even more highlights of the incredible students in District 86, showcasing their achievements and contributions.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

When you’ve been given what I’ve been given, by those who came before you, as we all have been in various ways, you hope to have the opportunity to help preserve and build for those who come after you. It would be a dream come true to jump in and help out at D86. I’ve learned that most of the problems we face in public policy are eminently solvable, but only if you elect folks who are focused on finding solutions that align with the mission. I see the fundamental mission of D86 to provide each student with what they need to soar, based on their unique talents and challenges, skills and interests, wherever they are.