Data Troubles: Hinsdale D86 Eyes Consultant

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 acknowledges its problem: It cannot get a handle on the data involving the disparity between Hinsdale Central and South high schools.

The possible solution is hiring a consultant.

Across school boards and superintendents, District 86 officials have taken heat for the numbers they produce. They have been accused of hiding the gap that some residents say favors Hinsdale Central students.

The larger Central, with a wealthier student body, has long had a greater course selection.

In recent months, school board President Catherine Greenspon has alleged that officials have manipulated data related to course offerings.

In June, Patch pointed to the district's widely varying statistics over the last year for course conflicts at Central and South.

Earlier that month, the administration contended the district had largely wiped away course disparities between the schools.

After the story, the district largely backed away from its numbers.

On Thursday night, the school board is holding a special meeting to discuss two major issues. One of them is hiring a data consultant.

The estimated price tag is $24,000 to $30,000. The project would take three months.

The goal of the work would be to provide a "reliable course dataset for the Program of Studies, effectiveness of the program, and student performance," according to a district memo.

The board meets at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Hinsdale Central library. The other major item on the agenda is "Hinsdale Central Athletic Facility Project."