PR Official's Exit Sparks Hinsdale D86 Restructuring Proposal

HINSDALE, IL – The pending departure of Hinsdale High School District 86's top public relations official is prompting a proposed restructuring.

Alex Mayster, who started in early 2024 as the district's director of communications, is leaving in June after two years. He has not publicly communicated his next step.

The district was considering listing the position at $162,231. But now officials are asking the board to create two lesser-paid administrative jobs.

One would be the executive assistant to the superintendent, paying $60,000 to $70,000 a year.

The job description indicates the person would manage schedules, coordinate communications, support leadership initiatives and ensure efficient day-to-day operations in the superintendent's office.

The other position is communications coordinator, paying $70,000 to $85,000 a year.

That person would be in charge of media relations, digital communications, community engagement, and internal and external messaging.

The reorganization would result in more flexibility to meet the district's needs, according to a memo last week from Jodi Bryant, assistant superintendent of human resources.

Another employee already working alongside the superintendent is Deb Kedrowski, the administrative chief of staff. One of her main responsibilities is handling Freedom of Information Act requests.

The current superintendent is Michael Lach, who is leaving in June. In January, the board appointed Chip Pettit, a superintendent in Indiana, as Lach's replacement.

At 7:30 a.m. Wednesday in the district's main office, the school board's human resources committee is set to consider the proposal.