'That's The Law': Hinsdale D86 Won't Spell Out Acronym

HINSDALE, IL – The board for Hinsdale High School District 86 decided Thursday against acting on the vague "RS Matter," which officials did not define.

One member, though, suggested providing more details on business before the board.

"RS" appears to stand for the district's former law firm, Chicago-based Robbins Schwartz. Last summer, the firm sued the district over failing to pay $228,000 in legal bills, which board members have questioned.

On Friday morning, Patch left a message for comment with all seven board members, asking what "RS" stands for. No one replied.

The district's spokesman, Alex Mayster, did not respond to Patch's inquiry on Wednesday.

The state's open meetings law requires governing bodies to give the public the "general subject matter" of any item that is subject to final action.

At Thursday's meeting, the board voted to move "RS Matter" off the agenda.

Member Liz Mitha, the board's secretary, said she heard public feedback about needing more clarity on the board's business going forward.

"I will say that I will do my best to ensure we are as clear as possible on action items and non-action items on the agenda," she said.

Board President Catherine Greenspon said that it can't always happen.

"We just can't provide details on some agenda items. It is what it is," she said.

"That's the law," member Jeff Waters said.

Greenspon added, "That's correct. We just have to be careful."

They did not identify which law stopped the district from providing more information.

In January, the board hired Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso, who is also an attorney, to handle the Robbins Schwartz litigation.

DuPage County Court records include emails between Grasso and Robbins' lawyer, Oran Cart, debating over what information the district should provide.

In a March 7 message, Grasso told Cart he would soon file a legal malpractice lawsuit on behalf of the district.

In September 2024, Robbins terminated its relationship with the school board, saying the district was "unreasonably difficult" to serve. At that point, the firm was on track to make $1 million a year, an unusually large amount.

Board members have kept their lips sealed publicly about Robbins Schwartz since several of them criticized the firm at their October 2024 meeting.