Dupage Policy Journal

The Hinsdale Township High School District 86 race features five candidates vying for three open spots.

Kay Gallo 

Kay Gallo is a candidate for District 86 Board of Education.

“I am a candidate for one of the three open positions on the District 86 Board of Education and asking for your support," Gallo said on her campaign website.

She and her husband have lived in Clarendon Hills for nearly 39 years. 

"We moved here to start and raise our family," she said. "Our three children attended and graduated from Maercker District, Hinsdale Central, and state universities.” 

Gallo previously served two terms on the District 86 board from 2009 to 2017 and was the president for the last two years of her tenure. Before District 86, she was elected "in 2001 to the Maercker District 60 school board after co-chairing their successful $24.8M building referendum.”

Catherine Greenspon 

Catherine Greenspon, who has said 'shared objective and unity are lacking in D86,' is a challenger.

“I am a current D86 parent, active member of the school community and a long-time area resident, Greenspon’s campaign website reads. 

"I understand the importance of responsible governance for a destination district like ours. If elected, I will bring to the table integrity, board experience, and a passion for high-quality education. I will honor my campaign promises and will team with like-minded board members to preserve the tradition of excellence that D86 is known for.”

 

Andrew Catton 

Andrew Catton was an outspoken parent before announcing his candidacy, DuPage Policy Journal previously reported.

“Where is the return for families, students and taxpayers? It will be up to the community to decide who is best to lead this needed corrective action," Catton told Patch.

"As a D86 resident, progressive thought leader, parent, primary stakeholder, taxpayer, and caring community member who has been attending these school board meetings for the better part of the last 2 years, I want to see and assist in driving the best possible outcomes for all students.”  

He also told the Patch that he is the candidate "who wants to liberate students from the less than ideal and regressive outcomes delivered by the current board and its superintendent." 

"Great schools are a primary foundation as to why people continue to move to D86. It’s why my family moved here and why I so passionately want to see that tradition continue,” Catton said.

 

Asma Akhras 

Asma Akhras is a Darien resident who lives in the Hinsdale South attendance zone.

She holds a master’s degree in Education in Curriculum and Instruction and works as Implementation Leader of Curriculum at Great Minds through which she works with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

“I'm a mother of three and as an Eisenhower District #61 and Hinsdale South High School parent, I’ve served on the Darien 61 Foundation, Hinsdale South Foundation, and the Board of Directors for Indian Prairie Public Library. I’m currently serving on the D86 Cultural Equity and Leadership Team (CELT). I have two Hinsdale South graduates and a current freshman,” her campaign website reads.

Deborah Clare Willoughby 

Deborah Clare Willoughby is a Westmont resident.

She has more than two decades of experience "as a finance professional working to drive collaboration, effective decision making and improved results to the businesses I’ve supported.”

“My leadership approach focuses on empowering our people, relying on the data to drive decisions and ensuring successful delivery of results. I am passionate about the importance of education and ensuring we are meeting the educational and developmental needs of young adults,” Willoughby said on her website.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated. The original version of this story incorrectly noted Gallo, Greenspon and Catton were part of a slate. We regret the error.