'Puff Piece' Before D-86 Leader Goes On Leave

HINSDALE, IL – A few days ago, Hinsdale High School District 86 mailed out a 20-page document to residents that touted what the administration sees as its accomplishments.

The mailer included the names of the new board members, who have been in office for less than two weeks.

A critic of the administration, Robert Bland, called the mailer a "self-congratulatory political puff piece." He noted it did not include declining test scores.

On the cover page is the headshot of Superintendent Tammy Prentiss, who went on a "leave of absence" Tuesday under questionable circumstances. The new board majority is critical of Prentiss.

Four years ago this month, Prentiss became the superintendent.

"As I look back on the past four years, I am very proud of everything that we have accomplished in conjunction with our strategic plan," Prentiss said in the mailer.

She said those improvements have been in curriculum alignment, buildings, equity, social and emotional learning, staff development and communications.

"I am also excited about the work that is scheduled for next year and understand the critical role it will play in ensuring the long-term health and viability of our schools," Prentiss said.

Whether she will work as the superintendent for the next year is an open question, though her contract lasts through July 31, 2024.

On Tuesday, the board announced that Chris Covino, assistant superintendent for academics, was the acting superintendent. He is set to leave June 30 to become superintendent of La Grange School District 102.

The school board's spokesperson is Catherine Greenspon, the board president. She has not returned numerous messages from Patch.

The recent mailer is online.