Hinsdale D86 Equity Post Up In Air

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86's equity official has made it clear that she plans to leave next month.

What's less clear is whether the school board will keep the position.

Patrice Payne, the director of instructional equity for the last couple of years, plans to resign June 9.

The last school board majority liked the position and expressed support for Payne's work. But a new majority took control earlier this month.

At last week's school board meeting, newly elected member Kay Gallo asked to discuss the equity position. But board President Catherine Greenspon and other members said the discussion should take place later.

Greenspon asked Cheryl Moore, assistant superintendent for human resources, to share their communication about the position. Moore said the district conducted interviews and had been ready to present a recommended candidate at last week's meeting.

"But we're not ready to make that recommendation, I guess," Moore said.

She said the candidate indicated a willingness to wait for the board's decision, but that could change, depending on the candidate's circumstances.

Acting Superintendent Chris Covino said it would be harder to fill such a position as the board waits. Most school positions are filled July 1.

Gallo said it looked like the board majority wanted to wait until the next meeting, which is June 8.

Greenspon replied, "The majority says not tonight."

"OK, I tried," Gallo said.

Payne, who has a doctorate, makes $115,000 a year. She started in the newly created position in July 2021.