The Union's Role In District 86's Reopening Plan

HINSDALE, IL — The leader of Hinsdale High School District 86's school board makes no bones about it: The teachers union played a big role in the development of the reopening plan for the district, which serves more than 4,000 students.

"For those who have suggested that somehow this is a concerted effort by the teachers union, you are absolutely right," Kevin Camden, the board's president, said at last week's board meeting. "It is a concerted effort in partnership with the district and those conversations started early in the spring after the world changed."

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Camden credited both Superintendent Tammy Prentiss and the Hinsdale High School Teachers Association for working together to figure out a reopening plan, which features a blend of in-person and remote learning days.

"We didn't get sideswiped by the union tonight because they have been in consultation with us, and the board appreciates the union's consultation," Camden said.

The local union is part of the Illinois Education Association, the state's largest teachers union. The statewide group has not come out with a position on whether schools should open to in-person learning. But it has said those that are reopening should do so safely by meeting health standards. By contrast, the Illinois Federation of Teachers is pushing remote learning in the fall.

Hinsdale teachers union officials couldn't be reached for immediate comment.

Also at last week's meeting, Camden said the board's focus is to do what it takes to protect students' safety.

"For those of you who disagree with my motives, I have more skin in the game than anyone on the board presently because I have three who will be in school starting Aug. 17," he said. "What I would do for my children is exactly what I would do as a board member for anyone's children. I can't roll the dice and say it's OK because certain selected medical professionals say 3 feet is better than 6 feet. The best practices are demonstrating that 6 feet and a mask are the way to go."