Hinsdale D-86 Official Takes Job With Less Pay

HINSDALE, IL – A top official in Hinsdale High School District 86 is taking a job with another district for less pay.

Brad Verthein, assistant superintendent for student services, was approved Tuesday as the new director of student services for Batavia School District 101. He starts July 1.

His salary in Batavia is set at $130,000. His salary is about $162,000 in Hinsdale, according to the district. That's a difference of more than $30,000.

In a statement released through District 86 on Thursday, Verthein said he was leaving with "mixed emotions."

"While I am excited about this change and the opportunities it will bring, there are many things I will miss about District 86," he said. "One of the biggest is being part of an outstanding team of educators, support staff and parents/guardians who work closely and collaboratively with each other to meet the needs of our students. Our schools, this district and the community as a whole are that much better because of our amazing staff and the incredible families that support them."

Last week, District 86 advertised Verthein's position. The district's spokesman said earlier this week that the posting was for an "anticipated opening," saying Verthein was a finalist for a position in a different district.

In a statement Thursday, District 86 Superintendent Tammy Prentiss said Verthein has been a "trusted and valued member of our team whose hard work and passionate commitment to education have had a positive impact on our schools and students."

She said the district hoped to interview candidates for the job in the next couple of weeks.

"We will keep our stakeholders updated on the status of our efforts, and appreciate all they do to help our students learn, grow and achieve," she said.

On Tuesday, the Batavia school board unanimously approved a package of personnel actions, including Verthein's hiring.

The Batavia district has nearly 5,200 students, compared with District 86's 4,000.

Verthein, previously the director of student services, was promoted to the assistant superintendent's job in mid-2019. He took the place of Tammy Prentiss, who was promoted to superintendent after holding the other job for five years.