No Incumbents Running For Hinsdale D86 Board

HINSDALE, IL – Kathleen Hirsman, the longest-serving member of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board, said Friday she has decided against seeking re-election in April.

Hirsman became the third board member this week to make such an announcement. Board President Erik Held and member Cynthia Hanson are also exiting.

As of Thursday, four candidates have submitted paperwork for the three seats available in the April 4 election.

Kay Gallo, Catherine Greenspon and Andrew Catton are known critics of the district's administration. The views of the fourth candidate, Asma Akhras, are unclear.

Candidates have until Monday to file with the DuPage County Clerk's Office.

In an email to Patch, Hirsman noted she started on the board in 2015.

"It has been an honor and privilege, and a wonderful experience, to serve our D86 community for the last eight years," she said.

The remaining four members are Peggy James, Jeff Waters, Debbie Levinthal and Terri Walker. All four were elected in 2021, and all but Walker are critics of Superintendent Tammy Prentiss.

If no other candidates file by Monday, then an anti-Prentiss majority could take up five or six seats of the seven-member board.

Earlier this year, Prentiss upset many residents with her handling of the preferred candidate to be the district's anti-racism consultant. She also took heat for enforcement of the since-rescinded mask policy, which reflected the governor's order.

Prentiss' contract lasts through mid-2024. But a majority may pressure her to leave before then.