Politics & Government
Hinsdale D86 Keeps Settlements Secret
The district broke with its longtime practice by keeping the latest information under wraps.
HINSDALE, IL – The state's open records law requires that public bodies release settlement agreements upon request.
But Hinsdale High School District 86 is declining to do so in the latest case, breaking its years-long tradition of disclosing such documents.
By contrast, Elmhurst School District 205 released such a settlement upon Patch's request last year.
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In late May, the school board approved two residency and settlement agreements. They were likely with parents of children who attend District 86 schools, but do not live within the district's boundaries.
Late last week, the district denied Patch's request for the settlements. It cited the exception under the Freedom of Information Act that allows for student records to be kept under wraps.
Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
That same law also states, "All settlement and severance agreements entered into by or on behalf of a public body are public records subject to inspection," as long as it's possible to black out information that falls under the law's exceptions.
In an email to the district, Patch noted the provision in the law, but the district did not respond.
Edgar County Watchdogs, a nonprofit group, indicated it would look into the denial.
"Settlements are public record. They should have provided it, period," Edgar County Watchdogs' John Kraft told Patch in an interview. "They should redact personally identifying information of the minor, not the adult."
Over the last five years, District 86 has routinely provided settlement agreements involving students in response to Patch requests, blacking out private information.
In April, though, the district redacted far more than usual when Patch requested a settlement involving up to $80,000 with a family. Later, it was revealed that the settlement was with former board member Debbie Levinthal's family.
It is unclear why the district has changed its disclosure practice.
In November, the board hired the Evergreen Park-based Odelson law firm as its new attorney. Among its areas of expertise are public records issues.
Examples of settlement agreements that District 86 has released over the years:
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