Hinsdale D86 May Expand President's Role

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86's new superintendent, who takes the helm Monday, may have less power than his predecessors in one regard.

The school board is considering a policy that would expand the board president's involvement in the district's communications with its law firm, Robbins Schwartz.

The proposal comes as some in the community, including the teachers union, have accused the board of micromanaging the district's day-to-day operations.

The current president is Catherine Greenspon. In April, she was the first president in five years who was elected to serve in that role for another one-year term.

The incoming superintendent is Michael Lach.

Under the current policy, the superintendent, his or her designee and the board president are each authorized to confer with the attorney.

Under the proposal, the superintendent must notify the president when consulting with the attorney.

Also, the policy would require the attorney to work with the superintendent to keep the board president informed of the attorney's legal advice.

The existing policy is worded similarly to those across the state. That means the language comes from the state school board association.

Patch checked the policies in Elmhurst District 205, Lyons Township High School and Hinsdale District 181. They do not give the board president an expanded role with the attorney.

On Wednesday, Patch left an emailed message for comment with Greenspon.

District 86's legal bills have risen dramatically over the last year.