The Hinsdale H.S. District 86 is intimidating the voting public with cutting football, wrestling and even National Honor Society in a third attempt to pass a $130 million referendum. This is the old proven tactic of holding the students hostage and blackmailing their parents to come up with the cash. The Board/administration intentionally avoids both discussion and consideration of (1) user fees for activities, (2) reining in waste, and (3) getting personnel costs under control.
The elephant in the room, which no one dare speak about, is Hinsdale 86’s reported average annual teacher’s compensation at $154,000 with the superintendent receiving a reported annual compensation of $342,000; this for the 2016 school year. Nearly all money spent comes out of the District’s Education Fund. Of the $88 million budgeted for the Education Fund, $76 million, or 86% is spent for salaries, and benefits including the option of free family medical care for retirees. Union members want to keep this gravy train going; hence the union contributing $30,000 for the failed November referendum.
Additionally, Hinsdale 86 has failed to address the unutilized growing empty classroom space at South High School which has a declining enrollment and is underutilized by at least 300 students, while Central needs more room. The issues behind the “Fill South First” movement have only worsened since it started in 2016.
The Board/administration need to resolve space utilization, and unsustainable compensation issues prior to asking for more cash. The current union contract expires in June, which is an opportunity to establish prudent financial discipline, but there is a void of leadership to do it. Much easier to hold students hostage and blackmail the parents.
ROGER KEMPA
21140 W Braxton Ln
Plainfield, IL 605444
(815) 552-2043
Kroger6076@aol.com
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