Hinsdale Township High School District 86’s Board of Education elected to preserve its leadership roles during a special meeting Monday, responding to appeals by the Hinsdale High School Teachers’ Association (HHSTA) and Illinois Education Association (IEA) to reorganize the board including the appointment of a new president.
Catherine Greenspon was re-elected as board president in a vote of 6-0.
Board member Terri Walker was not present during Monday’s special meeting, but her husband Gregory Walker read a statement on her behalf expressing support of the board’s leadership, and acknowledging the HHSTA’s feelings about the administration.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about how we can find a more productive way forward since the last meeting,” Gregory said, reading Terri Walker’s statement. “I want to thank the teachers and administration for all that you do everyday to work with students across the district.”
The HHSTA’s calls for reorganization stemmed from a series of high level administrative leaves over the last 12 months including Superintendent Tammy Prentiss, Assistant Superintendent Christopher Covino, the resignation of two school board members, Debbie Levinthal and Kay Gallo, the former director of human resources and most recently, the announcement that Hinsdale South’s Principal Patrick Hardy will be departing at the end of the school year.
“All school board members pledge an oath to work with educators and the superintendent to foster excellence in every student when they take office. This is not happening. Our community, schools, and, most importantly, our students deserve better,” HHSTA Co-President John Bowman said in Thursday’s statement.
Bowman also accused the board of fostering a toxic environment for teachers and administrators and “micromanaging” staff.
Further defying calls by the HHSTA, the board reaffirmed Peggy James as board vice president, Asma Akhras as board secretary, Debra Kedrowski as board recording secretary, and Josh Stephenson as board treasurer.
“Catherine has done an outstanding job, we are all fortunate to have her leadership,” Jeff Waters said during Monday’s meeting.
