Hinsdale D86 Should Counter Negative Reporting: Resident

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 should devote more effort to public relations to counter a reporter's negative stories about the district, a resident said Thursday.

John Czerwiec of Clarendon Hills did not name the media outlet during his comments to the school board. But he later confirmed that he was speaking about a Patch reporter who covers the district.

On Dec. 22, the district's two public relations employees left the district.

Czerwiec said the district's public relations effort has fallen off dramatically, which he described as disappointing.

He said he knew it was tough for the district to find full-time communications staffers while interim superintendents are in charge.

But Czerwiec said the area has no shortage of public relations professionals who could provide such services part time.

"I do know for an absolute fact that a reporter who most frequently writes about the district has a very negative outlook on all things that he writes about, even beyond District 86," Czerwiec said.

He said Patch's other reporters covering the suburbs are much more neutral in their coverage.

Because of the local Patch reporter's negative coverage, Czerwiec said, "I do think it makes sense for the district to be more proactive than they might otherwise be."

Under its policy, the board does not immediately respond to public comments.