Personal Attacks Made In District 181: Officials

HINSDALE, IL — Emotions are running high, but officials from Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills School District 181 is asking residents to remain respectful in debates over how to reopen schools. On Saturday, the district sent a mass email noting the "negative messaging" in discussions.

"We need to all recognize that emotions run high because our most precious commodities, our children, are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. Whether we want hybrid, remote, or full school, we are all passionate because we care about our children and want what we think is best for them," the district said.

In the statement, the district said it was aware of "negative messaging and personal attacks" on board members, administrators and residents on social media and elsewhere.

"We ask our community to please remain respectful as we dialogue about the reopening of schools," the district said. "As the adult role models to our children, we are setting an example about how to respond to conflict and disagreements."

Last week, the board decided on a blended approach for school, with a mix of in-person and remote days. The first day of school attendance is Sept. 8.

The board is meeting Monday night, but its agenda includes no action items on its reopening plan. Many districts have gone entirely remote after initially deciding on a blended approach.

District 181 serves about 3,800 students and employs 300 teachers, according to the Illinois Report Card.

The school board plans to hold a closed session at 6 p.m. Monday at Hinsdale Middle School, 100 S. Garfield Ave., when it plans to discuss the performance of a school board member. The open meeting starts at 7 p.m.