D-181 Keeps Board Member Issue Secret

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills School District 181 is keeping secret an issue about a school board member that it said it would discuss behind closed doors last month. According to the board's Aug. 10 agenda, it was set to discuss the discipline, performance or removal of an officeholder. It did not identify which board member. No action was taken.

Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Patch filed a public records request for documents associated with the issue, but the district denied it last week.

In its denial, the district cited the exception to the state Freedom of Information Act for such things as preliminary notes and drafts. It also cited the exception for attorney-client privilege, which indicates the board got a lawyer involved.

The district's denial was signed by Jean Duggan, administrative assistant to the superintendent. She said in the letter that she was the person responsible for the denial.

Among the records that Patch sought were any possible complaints or grievances filed against the board member in question. Patch called Duggan about whether a complaint or grievance existed in connection with the issue, she responded that if there was one, it would have been produced.

The board titled the closed session item as "Performance of Occupant of a Public Office." The Open Meetings Act exemption applies to discussions about the discipline, performance or removal of officeholders. The board could reprimand a board member, but it is unclear what power, if any, it has to remove a member.

Last month, board members declined to comment on the issue to Patch.

District 181 serves elementary and middle school students in Hinsdale and Clarendon Hills.