Wall Of Silence: Hinsdale D86 Board Won't Talk

HINSDALE, IL – All seven of Hinsdale High School District 86's board members have kept their lips zipped about the superintendent's position.

Patch has left messages with all seven board members about last week's developments: Superintendent Tammy Prentiss going on a "leave of absence" and Assistant Superintendent Chris Covino being designated the acting superintendent in the meantime.

No one responded to Patch, except new members Kay Gallo and Asma Akhras. They referred questions to board President Catherine Greenspon, who has not answered Patch's numerous messages for more than two weeks.

The other members – Jeff Waters, Terri Walker, Peggy James and Debbie Levinthal – also have remained silent.

Before the April election, Patch asked candidates in a questionnaire whether they would take questions from the media.

Greenspon said she would respond if the board's policies and procedures allowed it.

Akhras said she, too, would follow the district's policies in communicating with the media. At the same time, she said she was committed to "transparency and communication."

"I know that a board of education member is one person among a team of seven and a single board member cannot speak on behalf of the entire board (unless you are the Board President)," Akhras said.

Gallo noted the board policy saying the board president is the spokesperson.

"That said, all board members may speak with the media but not on behalf of the full board," Gallo said. "As evidenced by my prior board service, I am willing to speak with the press."

Across Illinois, school boards have adopted a policy recommended by the state school board association that designates the board president as the spokesperson.

Board members have cited that policy in refraining from speaking to reporters. Yet the policy does not bar a member from speaking individually. In any case, the First Amendment would likely trump a school board policy restricting speech.