District 86 Names Top Academic Official

HINSDALE, IL — A suburban principal is becoming Hinsdale High School District 86's new assistant superintendent of academics, replacing an official the school board voted to dismiss starting in July. The incoming assistant superintendent is Christopher Covino, who received a one-year contract with a base salary of $180,000. He starts July 1.

For the last four years, Covino, who was appointed Thursday night, has been the principal of Argo High School in Summit, which is east of La Grange. He also was the assistant principal for curriculum and instruction at York High School for five years, the division chairman for English at West Chicago High School for five years and an English teacher at Neuqua Valley High School for eight years.

At Hinsdale, Covino replaces Carol Baker, who served in the position for two years. In January, the board unanimously voted to dismiss Baker without giving a reason. The board's resolution also barred her from working as a teacher next school year.

During the meeting where Baker was dismissed, one resident blasted the decision, saying the board was retaliating against her for trying to correct longstanding inequities between Central and South high schools.

In a statement Thursday night, Superintendent Tammy Prentiss mentioned Baker.

“First, I want to wish Dr. Carol Baker the best in her future endeavors,” Prentiss said. “Second, I want to congratulate Chris on his appointment as the district’s new assistant superintendent of academics. His knowledge and skills, as well as his experience and leadership in the areas of curriculum development and alignment, will be critical in advancing our strategic plan and building on our strong and storied tradition of excellence.”

According to the district's news release, Covino has guided a number of important curriculum initiatives during his career, including aligning instruction to meet Illinois’ learning standards, increasing student equity, and helping all students benefit from dual-credit and advanced placement opportunities.

Covino earned his bachelor’s degree in English education and master’s degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Benedictine University and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Aurora University.

Late last year, District 86 was working on changing the science curriculum, which generated a lot of debate.

In mid-December, Superintendent Tammy Prentiss issued a public statement apologizing for her administrative team's "ineffective job" in communicating changes to the district's science program. She didn't identify members of the team.

"By not undertaking these efforts until a few months ago, we created a great deal of unnecessary confusion, concern and angst for our current and future families," the superintendent said.

Prentiss was named superintendent the year after Baker's hiring.