Departing Hinsdale D86 Trio Praised On Way Out

HINSDALE, IL – Over the last three years, Hinsdale High School District 86 board members have taken their share of criticism during public comments at meetings.

That wasn't the case for the three departing board members at their last meeting Wednesday.

Board President Erik Held and members Kathleen Hirsman and Cynthia Hanson decided against running again in the April election. Three new members took their place later in the meeting.

Resolutions were read in honor of all three.

During the comments, former board President Bill Carpenter praised the departing members.

"There is a legacy that the three of you are leaving behind, and you all should be very proud of it," Carpenter said.

Carpenter, who was on the board with Hirsman years ago, joked that she was crazy enough to seek a second term.

"You never ran for this position for yourself or a hidden agenda," he said. "With the eight years you have put in, you have done an absolutely amazing job."

Clarendon Hills resident John Czerwiec said he was impressed as he walked to the Hinsdale Central High School library, where the meeting was. A few years ago, the district showed a video of the crumbling Central structure.

Since then, voters enacted a property tax hike to pay for building improvements. As a result, Central has seen an "amazing transformation," an accomplishment that board members should be proud of, Czerwiec said.

He credited Hirsman with making probably one of the best school policy manuals in the state.

Darien resident Joan Brandeis listed the accomplishments of Hanson, Hirsman and Held.

She said Hanson was integral in creating the district's equity statement and forming one program of studies for Central and South.

"This has been a long-term goal of the district," Brandeis said. "There is still work to be done, but way to go."

Serving on a school board, she said, is difficult and often thankless.

"Erik, Kathleen and Cynthia all respected the professionalism and expertise of the faculty and staff as they worked together as they fulfilled the goals of the strategic plan," Brandeis said.

Incoming board member Kay Gallo, a former board president, recalled her two years working with Hirsman.

"You helped me be a better board member," Gallo said. "I appreciated your service to the district during those short years. We certainly had our share of board meetings spanning into two days."

Along with member Terri Walker, the three departing members formed a majority coalition that backed the district's administration.

In Illinois, school board members are unpaid.