Hinsdale D86 Settles With Player's Family

HINSDALE, IL – A Hinsdale South High School basketball player's mother is getting $45,000 as part of a settlement of her federal lawsuit against the school district.

Through a public records request, Patch on Wednesday obtained Hinsdale High School District 86's settlement with Erin Savage, mother of varsity player Brendan Savage.

Last Thursday, the school board unanimously voted for the settlement, but did not release the document or indicate what the agreement was for.

Erin Savage is receiving the money in return for withdrawing the lawsuit. Each side agreed not to disparage the other.

The defendants were the school board, recently fired coach Michael Belcaster, Principal Patrick Hardy, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Cheryl Moore, South Athletic Director Art Ostrow and former interim Superintendent Linda Yonke. According to court documents, the individuals were dismissed as defendants Wednesday.

In the lawsuit, which was filed in November, Erin Savage alleged Belcaster cut her son from the team in retaliation for filing a complaint against his predecessor, Michael Moretti.

Days later, the school board let the player back on the team.

In late January, the board considered suspending Belcaster. But after students and their parents defended the coach, the board kept him.

Soon after the season ended, the district fired Belcaster in March. At the next board meeting, students and parents again spoke up for the coach.