Hinsdale D86 Settles With Fired Teacher

DARIEN, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86's board voted Thursday to settle with a teacher who was let go more than two years ago.

The settlement was with former Hinsdale South band director Kirk Hickman. Court records state Hickman was fired in March 2022.

Without comment, the board voted 4-0 for the settlement. Members Terri Walker, Asma Akhras and Abed Rahman were absent.

After his firing, Hickman sued in federal court. He alleged violations of the Americans With Disabilities Act and the Illinois Human Rights Act.

On procedural grounds, U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang in December dismissed Hickman's claims about violations of the Illinois Human Rights Act. But he allowed the ADA claims to move forward.

The judge said he accepted Hickman's "well-pleaded factual allegations as true."

In his lawsuit, Hickman said he suffered a stroke that left him with "physical disabilities ... and some cognitive challenges."

He alleged that when he returned to work, he was denied reasonable accommodations, suffered a hostile work environment, and was later retaliated against and wrongfully fired.

The school board did not release the settlement document as part of its meeting agenda packet. Government settlements are public records under state law.

On Thursday, Patch filed a public records request for the settlement.