Mysterious 'RS Matter' Before Hinsdale D86 Board

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86's board may act Thursday on an issue that is mysteriously called "RS Matter."

Officials have yet to give the public any indication about what that means.

It could refer to the Chicago-based law firm Robbins Schwartz, which sued the district last year.

Earlier Wednesday afternoon, Patch emailed the district's spokesman, Alex Mayster, about what "RS Matter" means. He did not respond.

Also Wednesday afternoon, longtime school board critic Yvonne Mayer emailed an inquiry about "RS Matter" to Superintendent Michael Lach, incoming Superintendent Chip Pettit and board member Liz Mitha, who is the board's secretary. As of early Wednesday evening, Mayer said they had not responded.

Under the state's open meetings law, a government body is required to give the public the "general subject matter" of any item that is subject to final action. The public must have that notice 48 hours before a meeting.

Last summer, Robbins Schwartz sued the district over failing to pay $228,000 in legal bills, which board members have questioned.

In September 2024, Robbins terminated its relationship with the school board, saying the district was "unreasonably difficult" to serve. At that point, the firm was on track to make $1 million a year, an unusually large amount.

Board members have kept their lips sealed publicly about Robbins Schwartz after several of them criticized the firm at their October 2024 meeting.

In January, the board hired Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso, who is also an attorney, to handle the Robbins Schwartz litigation.