Hinsdale South Official Endures More Criticism, Ouster Suggested

HINSDALE, IL – After nearly two months of silence, parents are renewing their criticism of Hinsdale South High School's athletic director, Arthur Ostrow.

Over the summer, athletic groups and parents called for Ostrow's ouster after 11 years at the athletic department's helm.

Subscribe

They blamed Ostrow for what they say is an exodus of coaches, poor communication, and a lack of engagement with younger athletes.

Ostrow has not returned messages for comment.

At Tuesday's school board meeting, two residents spoke out against the athletic department's leadership.

One of them was Chris Mezzo, stepfather of two Hinsdale South graduates. He also spoke to the board in July.

After parents publicly raised concerns a few months ago, Mezzo said officials asked to give them time to assess the situation. So he said parents didn't show up at last month's board meeting.

"It has now been 78 days," Mezzo said. "During that time, we have received no meaningful communication about what the future of the athletic department looks like."

Two years ago, he said, parents privately brought their concerns to administrators. He said it was done internally to avoid giving the school a public black eye.

"Two years ago, we were told that changes would be made and that these concerns would be addressed," he said.

But they weren't, Mezzo said.

"During that time, we have watched coaches leave. We have watched some programs reduce levels as participation declined. We have watched girls programs struggle to get the support necessary to grow," he said. "And we have watched students and families deal with uncertainty about who will coach them and what direction the programs are heading."

Some families, he said, are considering private schools.

"Parents want to know whether Mr. Ostrow intends to retire or resign, complete the school year and move on, or remain athletic director beyond this year," Mezzo said. "Whatever the district is legally permitted to communicate, families need some indication about where that is headed."

Until then, he said, parents would continue to speak at meetings and bring specific concerns.

Ostrow, who is in his late 40s, appears to be a few years away from receiving a full retirement.

At the least, Ostrow is likely to finish the school year. It's hard to find a replacement in the middle of the year.

Over the summer, John Charters, a teacher who retired at the end of last school year, defended Ostrow. He said Ostrow has improved the athletic department through his energy and devotion.

"It's unfortunate that parents don't see that," he said at the time. "They are putting a negative light on the success of Hinsdale South athletics."

Charters is an athletic coordinator in the department and the head badminton coach.