D-86 Official Passed Over For South Principal: Board Member

DARIEN, IL — The Hinsdale High School District 86 board voted unanimously to appoint Patrick Hardy as the new Hinsdale South principal, starting in July.

But as he voted, member Jeff Waters noted another candidate for the position, Eric Martzolf, South's assistant principal for curriculum.

"I wanted to give a nod to Eric Martzolf," Waters said at Thursday's meeting. "There are a lot of good candidates in the field. He's been here for about 13 years. We're getting a tremendous person in Dr. Hardy. Hats off to him for what it's worth. My condolences to a great leader here, Mr. Martzolf."

In a short speech, Hardy, former principal of Proviso East High in Maywood, recognized both Martzolf and Kari Peronto, assistant principal for operations.

"I sincerely believe that with your institutional knowledge and talents and my skills and perspectives and our combined 10,000 years of school leadership experience, we will absolutely succeed," Hardy said.

On Friday, Patch wrote a story about Hardy's selection. He is set to replace Assistant Principal Arwen Pokorny Lyp, who is becoming principal of Downers Grove South High School.

Patch left a message for comment with Martzolf.