Frustrated Hinsdale D86 Official Resigns

HINSDALE, IL – Debbie Levinthal, a Hinsdale High School District 86 board member, resigned Monday night, saying she was fed up with a "toxic exercise in futility and frustration."

"My personal guiding principles, though, have led me to conclude that my moral and ethical compasses are too divergent from, and are clearly irreconcilable with those of the board majority," Levinthal said in a statement. "I am no longer willing to tolerate what, in my opinion, has become the resultant toxic exercise in futility and frustration."

Elected in 2021, Levinthal said her resignation was immediate.

Her departure follows a contentious board meeting on Thursday. During the session, she accused her onetime ally, Peggy James, of making a "hypocritical" statement. And she said board President Catherine Greenspon and others maintained a "double standard" when it came to the drafting of closed meeting minutes.

Two years ago, Levinthal campaigned as a team with Terri Walker. After both won, Levinthal backed Walker through 10 ballots to make her ally the president. A few months later, the two parted ways as Walker sided with the majority that backed the administration.

In her letter, Levinthal praised interim superintendents Linda Yonke and Ray Lechner.

"Their collective wisdom, along with the wisdom of Member (Kay) Gallo at the board table, can optimally guide this district through this transition period if the remainder of the board chooses to heed their wisdom according to policy, oath, protocol, good faith, the spirit and letter of the Open Meetings Act, with their governing roles, and in the best interest of all children in (the) district," she said.

She also complimented the district's principals and other administrators.

Additionally, she noted efforts that she took part in.

"I am proud that the totality of my work remained true to the platform I campaigned on," Levinthal said.

The remaining board members have the power to choose Levinthal's replacement.