Hinsdale High School Teachers to D86 Board: 'End the Distractions'

Statement by Hinsdale High School Teachers Association

The teachers of the Hinsdale High School Teachers Association (HHSTA) today urged the school board to end its political grandstanding and get back to good faith negotiations with teachers. In a series of media stunts, the school board has spent most of the summer attempting to distract the public rather than get a deal solidified before the start of school.

The board’s priority always seems to be bluster not results. From paying for a public relations contractor, to spending thousands on glossy mailers, to hiring a second residency investigation firm, to calling for a criminal investigation after a local newsagency already claimed responsibility for a photo on the HHSTA’s Facebook page, this board has proven its priority is distractions and paying lawyers and contractors rather than securing a fair and sustainable deal for the educators of the district.

“If the Board of Education would spend its efforts and budget on good faith bargaining rather than a three-ringed PR circus, we might have an agreement already” said Mike Palmquist, spokesperson for the HHSTA. “As the president of the board, Mr. Skoda can make much more progress by making concrete, reasonable proposals at the bargaining table rather than by sending disingenuous press releases and distracting the public with outrageous accusations.”

The teachers believe a sustainable and fair agreement can be reached and will report for all beginning-of-the-year activities, including the first day for students, August 22.