Development News for Hinsdale, Illinois

Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board Approves OMA/FOIA Designations, Committee Assignments, and Overturns Student Suspension

The board discussed and approved several governance-related items, including designating employees for Open Meetings Act (OMA) training, appointing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officer, and renewing memberships in the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) and Illinois High School Association (IHSA). The board also addressed committee assignments for the upcoming year and finalized details regarding board meeting schedules, moving them from Thursdays to Tuesdays at 6 p.m. starting in the next fiscal year. A resolution to overturn a student's 3-day suspension was also approved, directing the district to expunge it from the student's record. The board president appointed the incoming superintendent, recording secretary, and backup recording secretary to receive OMA training and appointed the chief of staff as the FOIA officer. Committee assignments were largely kept the same, with a discussion about potentially folding the ANO committee into other administrative plans. The board renewed its IASB membership for $12,985 and approved IHSA membership and pre-approved travel for student participation in state series competitions.

Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Board Tackles Budget, Governance, and Student Discipline

The board addressed several administrative and procedural matters. They reviewed and discussed board committee assignments, with a suggestion to potentially fold the ANO committee into other administrative plans. The board also discussed the schedule of upcoming board meetings, deciding to move from Thursdays to Tuesdays at 6 p.m. starting in the next fiscal year. Action was taken to approve the FY2026 amended budget, including significant transfers to the transportation fund to address cost increases and reduced state funding. Resolutions were approved for interfund transfers, the FY26 audit, and the treasurer bond renewal. The board also approved the renewal of memberships in the IASB and IHSA, along with travel pre-approvals for IHSA competitions. A resolution was passed to overturn a student's suspension and expunge it from their record. Finally, the board reviewed curriculum materials and the consolidated district plan for federal fund usage.

Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Honors Numerous Retirees for Dedicated Service

The meeting included a segment recognizing and celebrating district retirees, with various individuals acknowledged for their years of service and contributions. Principals and directors joined the board to honor these departing staff members. Specific retirees mentioned include Jonathan (8 years at transition center), Keith (7 years at district, over two decades in education, credited with transforming technology environment and managing district resources), John Bowman (21 years in math), Rick Cazado (25 years as math teacher at Hinsdale South), John Charters (32 years as English teacher at Hinsdale South), Tom (24 years in buildings and grounds), Sue Grady (19 years as English and German teacher), Dr. Julie Godz (22 years as science department chair at Hinsdale South), Paula Hillier (11 years at transition center, college access program), Alex Hipskin (33 years in social studies), Karen Holmes (19 years at Hinsdale South, noted for impact on equity and student support), Sue Howard (33 years as English teacher at Hinsdale South, Hinsdale South grad), Superintendent Michael Lock (over three decades in education, from micro to federal level), Christy Langos (17 years as administrative assistant in athletic department), Lauren Man (32 years as science teacher), Rob Morgan (33 years as counselor, 19 at South), Randy (10 years as security officer), Valerie Ruth (27 years as social studies teacher), Carol Schutz (26 years as admin assistant in counseling office), HD Sarbaka (33 years as math teacher at Hinsdale South), Deb Trilio (33 years as world language/Spanish teacher), Tom Fy (over 11 years at South, started as para-professional, then student supervisor, then security team), Miss Vaness (20 years, 13 in main office), Victor (22 years in special education), Gail Wallace (11 years as administrative assistant), Jack Waterman (20 years as social studies teacher), Donna Wheeler (21 years as school counselor), Barb Wilson (8 years as para-professional), Steve Wilson (33 years as math teacher at Hinsdale Central), Miss Julie Why (31 years as special education teacher), Ed Sorage (7 years as security supervisor).

District Recognizes Community Partnerships, Student Successes, and Retirees

The board received updates on various community engagement and student program initiatives. The "Community Partner Appreciation Breakfast" was highlighted as an annual event recognizing over 40 partners who support transition center students through internships, volunteer placements, and employment opportunities. These partnerships are valued not just for community support but for the labor and work our students provide, benefiting businesses directly. Student success stories from the College Access program were celebrated, with 17 students graduating, three earning associate degrees, and four transferring to four-year universities. The transition center also highlighted successes in various programs like Special Olympics basketball, staff-student basketball games, and community connection events such as internships with Perma Seal Basement Systems and outings to Top Golf. A presentation from Autonomy Works, a company founded by a former district family providing jobs for people with autism, was also featured. The "Tackling Transition Topics" committee continues to offer monthly seminars for families on post-secondary transition resources, expanding its reach to eight surrounding districts. The board also recognized retirees for their years of service and contributions to the district.