Hinsdale D86 Equity Official Leaving

HINSDALE, IL – Patrice Payne, who leads equity efforts for Hinsdale High School District 86, plans to resign this summer.

Her departure is slated for June 9. This information was revealed in the personnel report for Thursday's school board meeting.

Payne filled the newly created position in July 2021. Her title is director of instructional equity.

Lyons Township High School has a similar position, called the director of equity and belonging.

Elmhurst School District 205, which has twice the enrollment of the other two districts, has no such official.

Payne is leaving about a month after a new school board majority is set to control. It is unclear whether the board will keep the position.

When Payne was hired, Superintendent Tammy Prentiss described the job in a news release.

"This position was created, in part, to support the work and goals of our equity statement, which include designing and implementing a culturally responsive curriculum, helping our faculty develop culturally responsive teaching practices, and cultivating the social and emotional skills in our students so that they can grow into engaged global citizens," Prentiss said.

For residents in the Hinsdale South High School zone, the biggest equity issue is that Hinsdale Central High School has a greater course selection than South. Central's student body is wealthier.

Examining that inequity was apparently not one of the responsibilities of Payne's position.

Payne gave one major report to the school board during her time. A year ago, she presented data that she said showed racial disparities in discipline, support courses and a sense of "belongingness."

Payne did not return a message for comment Tuesday.