Countering Critic, Hinsdale D86 Backs Leader

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story wrongly stated board member Abed Rahman was silent when other board members praised board President Catherine Greenspon at the April 11 meeting. In fact, he said he seconded the praise.

DARIEN, IL – A critic of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board recommended on Thursday that members oust Catherine Greenspon as their president when her term expires next month.

Instead, board members closed ranks behind Greenspon, praising her leadership.

In her comments to the board, Yvonne Mayer, a former Hinsdale School District 181 member, noted District 86's high-profile resignations over the last few months. She accused Greenspon of micromanaging the administration. She also said the board is facing complaints with the attorney general over open meetings violations, at least two lawsuits and a frustrated teachers union, among other things.

She also pointed out that Cheryl Moore, assistant superintendent of human resources, submitted her letter of resignation after the board meeting late last month. Moore's last day is Friday.

"Two weeks ago, we saw the hostile manner with which the president treats administration and staff," Mayer said. "Only the superintendent answers directly to the board, but as the interim superintendent sat in silence, the president publicly berated and disrespected Cheryl Moore. It is no wonder Ms. Moore submitted her letter of resignation the next day."

At the board's reorganization meeting next month, Mayer said, members should choose a president who respects the role of the board.

Later in the meeting, four board members complimented Greenspon, who was elected last April.

Board member Jeff Waters acknowledged he voted for then-member Debbie Levinthal as president last May. But he said Greenspon unified the board in a way that has created big dividends for students.

"I have to thank you for your outstanding service to the community," Waters said, adding he hoped she would remain through the next year.

Board member Heather Kartsounes, who was appointed late last year, said she joined the board with pre-conceived notions about the way it operates.

But she said she found herself pleased with the board.

"It's been a very positive few months for me," Kartsounes said. "It's given me a lot of faith in our community about how well our district is coming together."

She thanked Greenspon, saying the board would be "floundering quite a bit" without her leadership.

Member Asma Akhras noted that most votes are unanimous. She credited Greenspon.

"It's not easy getting to 7-0," she said.

Member Peggy James said the board works well, which reflects Greenspon's leadership.

Member Terri Walker stayed silent while the other board members praised Greenspon.

During the second public comment session, Mayer said she was glad the board had its "kumbaya moment."

She then addressed every board member, explaining why most were not suited for the president's job. Two of them, she said, could fill the role.

She said Walker should consider being president because she knows full well that Greenspon is overstepping her role.

As for Waters, she said she believed he would not micromanage the administration. While she said Waters was "complicit" in some of the board's problems, "I know you to not be a mean, vindictive person. And I believe deep down you understand the proper role of the board president – which is not to be routinely present at the district office."

Moore, the assistant superintendent, was at the meeting. Afterward, she shook the hand of every board member, including Greenspon.

Moore declined to comment to Patch after she submitted her resignation letter.

If the board votes for Greenspon for another year, that would be the first such re-election in a long time. The board has had six presidents since 2019.