District 86 Board Gets New Leader

HINSDALE, IL — The Hinsdale High School District 86 board has a new president. Last week, the board appointed Kevin Camden, an attorney, to serve as president. Members also selected Keith Chval as vice president and Kathleen Hirsman as secretary for the next year.

In February, Camden announced at a board meeting that he would no longer answer constituent emails and have them sent to the district's communications office. He said parts of his emails had been distributed online and taken out of context. These emails were apparently during the heated debate over changes to the district's science curriculum.

In an interview late last month, Camden indicated he had backed off from his email policy, saying he was responding to some messages, though not all.

During last week's meeting, outgoing board President Nancy Pollak was praised for her service at the helm. She remains on the board.

Superintendent Tammy Prentiss credited Pollak with improving the relationship with the teachers union. Pollak was considered the driving force behind initiatives such as board member visits to classrooms.

"I have always admired and appreciated Nancy’s selflessness, tireless support of our schools, and passionate advocacy for our students and staff," Prentiss said in her report to the board. "Those incredible attributes, coupled with her commitment to our district, have been the hallmarks not only of her presidency, but also her dedicated service as a board member and community leader."

Pollak became president in April 2019 after President Bill Carpenter left the board. Board members in Illinois are unpaid.