'Mixed Messages' On D86 Staffing: Official

HINSDALE, IL – An official in Hinsdale High School District 86 said last week that she was getting "mixed messages" when a board member suggested hiring experienced teachers.

In response, a critic of the district's leadership called for the official's firing.

At last Thursday's school board meeting, Cheryl Moore, assistant superintendent of human resources, told members that 39 teachers would retire in the next three school years.

Because of that, she said, officials should be mindful of the work ahead in finding replacements.

Board member Debbie Levinthal asked whether the district would make a concerted effort to find experienced teachers, rather than only hire those fresh out of college.

Moore said experienced teachers would cost the district more money.

"I've heard we need to tighten our belts. Those are mixed messages for me as an HR person," Moore said.

She said the district couldn't hire experienced teachers and be fiscally responsible.

Levinthal said the district clearly needed to watch its spending. But she said she had been clear in her message that all budget cuts should be as far away from students as possible.

"People who are close to students on a daily basis are their teachers," Levinthal said.

But Moore said teachers' salaries and benefits are the district's largest expense. She added that she and the district's principals would prefer hiring experienced people.

During public comments a short while later, resident Yvonne Mayer, a frequent critic of the district, took exception to Moore's statement.

"I was shocked to hear Ms. Moore say you can't hire experienced people and be fiscally responsible," Mayer said. "She should be fired for that. Of course, you can."

She said the district would see the departures of 39 people at the highest end of the pay scale.

"This district has experienced, outstanding teachers. That's what makes this district," Mayer said. "This district would not be of the same caliber if you replaced every single teacher with a first-year teacher."

If Moore is unable to hire experienced teachers, Mayer said, the district should find someone who can, perhaps at a lower salary.