Dupage Policy Journal

Catherine Greenspon is running for a seat on the Hinsdale Township High School District 86 school board.

In the April 4 election, she will face off against four others for three seats on the board.

“As an active community member, I believe that in the past 5-7 years the beacon of academic excellence at D86 has become dimmer, and the district is at a very real risk of losing its ethos of educational excellence,” Greenspon told DuPage Policy Journal. “Constant significant changes are disruptive and exhausting to our students, teachers, and community. These changes have not produced any measurable positive results.” 

Greenspon said the "district has pursued unproven educational initiatives void of a full pilot.” 

She said board meetings have become dysfunctional to the point of lawsuits filed against the district.

"Thoughtful perspectives from experienced D86 teachers and the community are largely ignored. The sense of frustration and division has become palpable in our once tightly-knit community,” Greenspon added.

“I am committed to invest my time, bring stakeholders together, build consensus and make hard decisions."

“As a D86 board member, I will support policies that will promote: Choice to meet ALL students' needs. Students spend 4 years in D86 buildings. 140 school weeks. 700+ days. Every day counts to maximize student growth, success and confidence. Every student’s pathway to success is unique and requires different course offerings and supports. More choices, not fewer. Each individual student's growth and efforts should be applauded and measured.” 

She vowed to only approve data-driven decisions that make sense, support providing more options to students, not fewer, and require that any significant curriculum changes are piloted and assessed. Greenspon said she believes in "Accountability for better outcomes in return for our growing investment in the district.” 

“The district's main revenue source is local property tax (85%) and other local sources (7%). 92% total."

"Families are making an investment in our students, our schools, and our community. Year over year, D86's operating costs have risen on an absolute and per student basis. What improvement does the district have to show for the community's collective investment? I will promote fiscal responsibility and prudency. I will require that our investment is tied to specific and measurable improvements and student outcomes. I will challenge the administration to be resourceful and creative, like all of us.”   

Greenspon also believes that there should be a "true spirit of partnership between the community, board, administration, staff, and students." 

She has regularly attended Hinsdale D86 Board Meetings for several years and has engaged with the administration on many issues. 

"I have engaged broadly with the D86 community. The spirit of partnership, trust, shared objective and unity is lacking in D86. This is detrimental to our District and I am committed to changing that,” she said. 

Greenspon vowed to honor all her campaign promises, collaborate with and hear all voices in the community, and work constructively with the administration and staff, but will remain committed to key D86 values.

Greenspon is a member of the board of directors at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, and serves as chief change agent at the education group Project Infinite Green. 

“Project Infinite Green encourages STEM education by taking school children on a journey of US energy sources. We are a nonprofit organization created to educate children about sustainable, financially feasible energy sources and processes,” Greenspon’s LinkedIn reads. 

“Designed to support public school curricula and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Coalition goals, Project Infinite Green aims to introduce students to the scientific and business aspects of creating clean energy solutions to the challenges we face today. This initiative seeks to help children bridge the gap between these processes and their real lives. By participating in this program, children will be reminded of the scientific and business aspects of sustaining ecosystems as they conduct their daily routines using energy sources—whether they’re turning on a light switch or deciding how to travel from Point A to Point B.”

Greenspon is on the ballot with Asma Akhras, Drew Catton, Kay Gallo, and Debbie Willoughby.

Greenspon, Catton, and Gallo are running on a slate named “Gallo, Greenspon, Catton for D86.” According to MSN, the group is calling for Superintendent Tammy Prentiss to be removed.

The Hinsdale Township High School District 86 spent over $168 million in 2021. The board and superintendent determine and control expenditures for the school system.

D86 includes 3,894 students and employs around 300 teachers in three schools.