2nd Frustrated Hinsdale D86 Official Resigns

HINSDALE, IL – Kay Gallo, a member of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board, resigned effective immediately at Thursday's board meeting.

Elected in April, Gallo said she had no faith in the board's leadership, which includes President Catherine Greenspon.

It was another blow to a district that ousted its last superintendent and is looking for a new one.

Last month, Gallo's board ally, Debbie Levinthal, resigned in frustration shortly after a meeting.

At Thursday's session, the board voted for Abed Rahman to fill Levinthal's seat.

Gallo brought experience to a board with little of it. She served two previous terms on the board and a term at Westmont-based Maercker District 60.

"Disappointingly, I can state that while some boards I have served on may have been considered by some to be dysfunctional, the current D86 board is the worst," Gallo said in her resignation letter. "Should the board leadership continue its current trajectory, I fear more damage than good will result."

She said she read Levinthal's resignation letter with sadness.

"I share her sense of futility and frustration and would emphasize that her choice of words in her letter of resignation were kind," Gallo said. "In my opinion, this board's leadership is the single greatest obstacle to recruiting and retaining a superintendent of the caliber this District so desperately needs and deserves."

Gallo said she was disappointed to end her board service, but she said it was clear the "tyranny of the leadership is firmly established and in full force."

In her letter, she did not specify why she was frustrated with the board's leadership.

Neither she nor Levinthal supported Greenspon for president. They joined with member Jeff Waters in backing Levinthal for the top post. The majority supported Greenspon.

Last month, both Gallo and Levinthal were the only members to vote against hiring a lawyer for an investigation related to a 6-day-old "message with parent concerns."

In June, they joined the board in the effort to oust Superintendent Tammy Prentiss. Prentiss agreed to resign in return for receiving a full year's salary and health benefits.

Late Friday morning, the district issued a public statement acknowledging Gallo's departure.

"We appreciate Ms. Gallo's service on behalf of our schools, district and community," the district said.

The board is required to fill the post within 60 days.