Ex-Hinsdale D-86 Leader To Run Again

HINSDALE, IL – Kay Gallo, a former president of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board, made it official last week: She is running for the board.

She made the announcement at Thursday's school board meeting, but hinted at the possibility months ago.

"I'm quite excited for what the future holds," Gallo said.

She said little about her candidacy at the meeting, other than to note that she is collecting signatures for her petition. The election is next April.

Since the winter, Gallo, a Clarendon Hills resident, has called for the ouster of District 86 Superintendent Tammy Prentiss. She launched a Change.org petition to that effect, drawing nearly 2,300 signatures.

Gallo's petition criticized how Prentiss handled the mask mandate and the resignation of an anti-racism consultant.

Gallo also accused Prentiss of "untested and unorthodox educational philosophies" and an "autocratic, non-transparent style of leadership."

Gallo, who decided against running for another term in 2017, was the board's president for her last two years as a member.

In 2015, the board voted 5-1 for Gallo as president, with Edward Corcoran dissenting, according to a Chicago Tribune story. Corcoran said he voted against Gallo because of a $1,000 donation from the teachers union to her campaign in 2013, the newspaper reported.

Gallo, however, said campaign donations never influenced how she voted, according to the Tribune.

In the April election, the board seats held by President Erik Held and members Kathleen Hirsman and Cynthia Hanson are up. They, along with member Terri Walker, make up the board's majority, which generally supports Prentiss.

Held, Hanson and Hirsman have not publicly said whether they plan to run again. Burr Ridge resident Catherine Greenspon, a board critic, has announced her intention to run.

Through their votes, members Jeff Waters, Debbie Levinthal and Peggy James have indicated opposition to Prentiss.

Prentiss' contract expires in mid-2024.