'Not Handled Properly': Hinsdale D86 Administrator Pacts Delayed

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86's board delayed votes Thursday on administrator contracts, with the board's president saying they were "not handled properly."

"Staff members did not have an opportunity to review their contracts before they were publicly posted," President Catherine Greenspon said at a board meeting. "And we are not aware if they were up for renewal at this meeting."

In particular, Greenspon praised the work of Hinsdale South's principal, Kari Peronto, who is up for a three-year contract.

"Dr. Peronto is unbelievably valuable to this district and especially the stability at Hinsdale South," Greenspon said.

Board member Bobby Fischer agreed, noting that survey results show that Peronto has delivered.

The contracts for the four other top administrators were not up for renewal.

The single-year agreements for 19 other administrators are up for renewal, according to the board's meeting agenda.

The top five administrators are Peronto; Central Principal Bill Walsh; Kari Smith, assistant superintendent of student services; Josh Stephenson, chief financial officer; and Jodi Bryant, assistant superintendent of human resources.

Other than Walsh, each is getting a 2.9 percent raise. Walsh, who is retiring in June 2027, is getting a 6 percent hike, which the district grants annually in administrators' and teachers' final years.

Superintendent Michael Lach is retiring June 30 after two years on the job.

The board plans to vote on the contracts at a special April 6 meeting.

Here is the proposed 2026-27 pay for the top five officials:

• Jody Bryant: $202,157
• Kari Peronto: $203,221
• Kari Smith: $206,200
• Josh Stephenson: $232,483
• Bill Walsh: $221,240