Hinsdale D-86 Board Won't Say Why It's Meeting

HINSDALE, IL – The Hinsdale High School District 86 board plans to meet behind closed doors Wednesday, but the district is declining to give the public a reason why.

In Illinois, public bodies can meet in closed sessions for a limited number of reasons. In their meeting agendas, they typically cite exceptions under the state's open meetings law. District 86 follows a different procedure.

Asked about the closed meeting, the district's spokesman, Chris Jasculca, said in an email Tuesday, "As we have shared with you in the past, the board’s standard practice is to announce the exception during the meeting as part of the motion to adjourn to closed session."

Board President Erik Held did not return a message for comment Tuesday morning.

Nearby school districts let the public know the exceptions for their closed sessions ahead of time.

Last month, the Lyons Township High School board met behind closed doors. On its agenda beforehand, it informed the public it was doing so to discuss a student disciplinary case and probable or imminent litigation.

In June, the Elmhurst School District 205 board notified residents in its agenda that it would hold a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

In District 86, board members have been in a dispute over the minutes of three closed sessions in February. At the last meeting, the board majority rejected the minutes drafted by minority member Peggy James.

In late June, the minority walked out in anticipation that the majority would vote down James' minutes, causing the meeting to end.

The board is allowed to meet behind closed doors to discuss closed meeting minutes.

Wednesday's meeting is at 6 p.m. at the district's Burr Ridge Transition Center, 16W361 S. Frontage Road, Suite 126. After the closed session, a public comment session is scheduled.