Hinsdale D86 Lawyer Eyes 'Current Employee'

HINSDALE, IL – The Hinsdale High School District 86 board this week selected a special counsel that the district hired last year for an investigation into the superintendent.

On Monday, the board voted 5-1 for the Chicago-based Robbins Schwartz firm, which serves many suburban school districts.

Member Terri Walker was the only dissenter, while member Asma Akhras abstained from the vote.

According to the district's website, the board hired the firm to provide legal advice and "other services related to the employment, compensation, performance, and potential discipline or dismissal of a current employee..."

The information did not list the "current employee." But it is likely Superintendent Tammy Prentiss. The day after the meeting, the board announced Prentiss was taking a "leave of absence," but it did not give the reason.

Three new board members took office a couple of weeks ago, creating a majority opposed to Prentiss. Walker may be Prentiss' only supporter on the board, down from four before the new members joined.

Last year, Robbins Schwartz was hired to investigate Prentiss' alleged "one-way tirade" against a resident.

She has also been investigated for her handling of a controversy involving an anti-racist consultant. As recently as a week ago, the district denied Patch's request to see the investigation's report, citing the secrecy of attorney-client communications.

Prentiss' contract lasts through July 31, 2024. In January, the old board amended Prentiss' contract to prevent her from being fired over the investigation.

Prentiss has not returned a call for comment.