Hinsdale D-86 Official Apologizes To Colleague

DARIEN, IL — An incident between two Hinsdale High School District 86 board members in October has resulted in an apology.

At last week's board meeting, member Jeff Waters said his use of an expletive in speaking to his colleague, Erik Held, after a meeting outside Hinsdale South High School was "uncalled for" and "inappropriate."

"Without the use of that word, Erik may not have responded in the capacity that he did," Waters said. "His sensitivities could be different from mine."

He acknowledged he told a school security guard that he certainly hoped that "we don't have to report this non-event." He said his "non-event" label was his perception.

"But my perception is only mine. Because of that, I do apologize, Erik, to you for generating that event," Waters said.

Waters also apologized to fellow board members, faculty and staff, and residents.

In his statement, Water said he was certainly apologetic for any children who find "there's a board member using an expletive to drive an emphasis for any narrative in a private setting or not."

"It's inappropriate, and for that, I apologize," Waters said.

Held got up to shake Waters' hand. The two men embraced, then joked about the White Sox and the Bulls.

In a soundless surveillance video from October, board member Jeff Waters could be seen pointing his finger at Held and then touching Held on the shoulder outside the school. He was reported as telling Held, "Don't put words in my f------ mouth."

Held filed a complaint about the incident. In response, a lawyer investigated the situation and produced a report, which she presented earlier in last week's meeting.