'Fantastic' Hinsdale D86 Board Defended Against Criticism

DARIEN, IL – Two speakers at Thursday's meeting of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board rejected criticism of the current board.

During public comments, Darien resident Drew Kelly singled out two board members – Jeff Waters and Catherine Greenspon. He said he disagrees with them at times, but both show they care for the schools.

He said he was "a little late" in responding to the teachers union's criticism at an April board meeting. At the meeting, the union's president blasted the board and called for Greenspon's ouster, with members showing up in force.

When the union started attacking people such as Waters and Greenspon, Kelly said, "it felt like a betrayal to me as a taxpayer."

He questioned why the union came out at that time, but did not stand up for Hinsdale South when needed before. (Kelly did not identify his concerns at South, but the school has long had a smaller course selection than the wealthier and larger Hinsdale Central.)

Kelly also said union members are not the only ones criticizing board members.

"The local newspapers attack them. Certain members in the community attack their character," he said.

He said he would rather see local debates around substantial issues, not character attacks.

"Some of these people attack people like Jeff and people like Catherine, and it's obvious to me that they do so because they cannot win an election," Kelly said.

Linda Burke, a Hinsdale resident, agreed with Kelly's comments.

"I have seen a lot of boards in almost 30 years in coming to meetings, and this is a fantastic board, contrary to the snide remark in the media," Burke said. "There are no rifts and factions or feuds on this board. This board works together. No one brings any agenda to this table, other than what's best for the kids and what's best for the community. And this applies to all of you."

One of the loudest critics has been Erik Held, the former board president. He decided against running for a second term in April 2023.

Last week, Patch emailed Held to ask whether he planned to run in next April's election. He did not respond.

The candidate filing period is in November.