Hinsdale D-86 Fills One Of Its Top Jobs

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 has appointed a new assistant superintendent of student services.

Earlier this month, the school board unanimously voted for Kari Smith to fill the position. For the last five years, Smith has headed student services for Elmwood Park School District 401, for three years as the director and two years as the assistant superintendent.

She is set to start July 1, making a salary of $176,000.

Smith is replacing Brad Verthein, who is leaving District 86 to become the director of student services for Batavia School District 101.

Smith started her career in education in Oak Park, where she was a social worker for 11 years and special education coordinator for five years for Oak Park Elementary School District 97.

Smith also was the special services director for Lombard Elementary District 97. According to a District 86 news release, Smith oversaw the administration of individualized education programs and 504 plans. She also led the work for the district's Social-Emotional Learning Committee.

At Elmwood Park, Smith was credited with developing a plan for the district to withdraw from the Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative.

She also expanded the Elmwood Park district's student services and partnerships to better support students and their families, according to the news release.

Smith holds a doctorate in special education from the University of Illinois Chicago.

In the news release, District 86 Superintendent Tammy Prentiss praised Verthein's service and welcomed Smith.

"I want to thank Brad for his dedicated service during the past eight years, and wish him continued success in District 101," Prentiss said. "I also want to congratulate Dr. Kari Smith on her appointment as the new assistant superintendent of student services. Dr. Smith is an accomplished educator and outstanding leader with a strong background in special education and a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of social and emotional learning."