Ex-Hinsdale D86 Leader Slams Successor's 'Missteps'

HINSDALE, IL – Erik Held, former president of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board, is mincing few words in denouncing his successor's performance.

Board members did not return a message for comment on Monday.

With a new board majority, Catherine Greenspon, who was elected last April, took the reins from Held, who decided against running again. On Tuesday, the board unanimously re-appointed Greenspon for a second year. Member Terri Walker was absent.

Held broke his months-long public silence Monday, asking the board in an email to appoint Walker as president. Walker was a part of Held's majority, which disappeared with the departures of Held, Cynthia Hanson and Kathleen Hirsman.

Held noted the opposition of the teachers union to Greenspon as president. Union members showed up in force at Thursday's board meeting in their statement against Greenspon.

"I can't understate the risk another year of (Greenspon) as president poses to the good governance and credibility of the district," Held said. "She exhibited no reflection or grace after the union read its letter, only condescension, and that attitude continued for the whole meeting. How much more negative coverage in the news do you need to see, how many more resignation letters need to be turned in, before the board realizes it is going down the wrong path under her leadership?"

He said the district's dealings with the union will now be problematic. For instance, he predicted the board would struggle to reopen the four-year union contract for such things as eliminating early release Wednesdays, which some members want to do.

"Why would they negotiate at your request when continual disrespect is directed at them?" Held said. "Your assistant superintendent of HR would tell you the same, but President Greenspon's behavior was so disrespectful, that Cheryl Moore tendered her resignation the next day after the disgraceful March 21st meeting."

Held was referring to an exchange in which Greenspon chastised Moore, who then gave her three-week notice.

In his email, Held criticized the board's "slapdash" handling of basketball controversies at Central and South.

"It doesn't matter if Greenspon tries to get to seven votes on everything, or in one-on-one conversations provides each of you with warmth and respect," Held told the board. "At the table, she has been dismissive and degrading in her treatment of administration and faculty."

He concluded his email by urging the board to select a new president.

"I urge you, President Greenspon, to let go of the gavel and refuse any nomination as president," Held said. "I urge you, Board members, please put the District first, difficult as it might be to go against a colleague and friend, and choose Terri Walker as your new president."

Greenspon was unopposed.