Hinsdale D86 Equity Post Touted

DARIEN, IL – Three members of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board last week praised the work of Patrice Payne, the district's equity official, who is leaving in early June.

At a board meeting, member Cynthia Hanson, whose term ends next month, said she didn't know whether the school board would keep the position of director of instructional equity. She spoke as a new majority is set to take over the board next month and some residents question the need for the position.

Hanson said the position makes a difference. She said she was speaking as a board member, a mother of four children who went through the district and an alum who wanted to become a local teacher in the 1990s.

"I love my teachers here, but I tell you I saw no one who looked like me, and I didn't wind up being a teacher," Hanson said.

Board President Erik Held, whose term also ends in May, said roles such as Payne's are vital in modern education.

"I look forward to seeing who the next board chooses to fill that very important role," Held said.

Member Terri Walker said she has had the opportunity to see Payne's positive impact.

Payne, who has a doctorate, receives $115,000 a year. She started in the newly created position in July 2021. Her last day is June 9.

Payne is expected to give a report to the board next month.