D-86 Leader Backtracks On Public Feedback Policy

HINSDALE, IL — Upset with public comments in September, the president of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board announced he would move such feedback to the end of meetings, rather than near the start.

The new policy, President Kevin Camden said at the time, would remain in effect as long as he remained in his role.

Camden is still the board's president, yet public comment was moved to near the beginning of the meeting last week.

Before his decision in September, the board had often taken public input shortly after meetings began, but sometimes did so at the end.

During pandemic-era meetings, many residents have denounced the district's decisions for remote learning, similar to the feedback in other districts. Before that, the district faced opposition over changes to the science curriculum, drawing passions on both sides. And the debate endures over whether Hinsdale South gets the short end of the stick.

At September's meeting, Camden explained his decision to push back public comment.

"I've said this for a number of years. I'm tired of folks coming in and complaining and not listening as we go through the meeting to answer the questions we have," Camden said after public comments ended. "So we'll move audience communications to the end. If we answer the questions, great. If we don't, the board will have the opportunity to address them at the end of the meeting, and that's the way it's going to be moving forward until there's a new chair."

No board members questioned Camden's decision, at least publicly. They typically present a united front.

Camden couldn't be reached for immediate comment Monday. He is up for re-election April 6.

In February, Camden announced he would no longer answer emails from the public, saying he would refer all communications to the district's communications director. He complained that his responses had been "bastardized" by residents. His change of policy came after months of heated debate over the science curriculum.

He has since indicated to Patch that he now routinely answers emails to his school board address.

In Illinois, school board members are unpaid.