Dupage Policy Journal

A number of challengers are seeking spots on the Hinsdale Township High School District 86 school board. Five candidates are vying for three open spots in the race.

Those challengers on the April 4 ballot include Hinsdale Township High School District 86 former school board member Kay Gallo as well as Catherine Greenspon and Andrew Catton. The candidates are running separately. 

Gallo said respect from current board members to parents in the district has been minimal. 

“The District 86 administration and outgoing board members have shown intolerance, disdain, and indifference towards individuals who have questioned these changes and requested data to support them," Gallo said. "Additionally, they have not proactively been transparent in sharing all assessment data including Advanced Placement scores or highlighting concerning SAT score trends.” 

Greenspon said the current board is defined by a lack of transparency. 

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

Greenspon also pledged that as a D86 board member, she 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.”

Parent Andrew Catton has been an outspoken critic of the school system. 

"I am advocating for the public and district leadership to be informed and aware of this movement and to guard against its migration into D86 classrooms," Catton said at a school board meeting, according to Patch. "No one is claiming that CRT texts are being taught now, rather that there is an inherent risk to the quality of curriculum and source documents because of those who have influence over each.” 

He believes that any approach that includes blaming and shaming students is against the community values and education excellence expectations. Catton added the controversial teachings are part of a longer-range plan on behalf of D86. 

"To my dismay, I was appalled to see that this radical ideology has not only made simple inroads, but rather has been made a part of the district's 5-year strategic plan," Catton said. "Forcing all decision-making through a racial or gender identity politics prism while bashing American history along the way will be catastrophic for the school system. If you cannot see how this can be harmful to the student body, student-teacher interaction and even parent and student relationships, what business do any of you have being on the board? It's borderline criminal.”

Catton called CRT “cancerous.” 

"What secret wisdom do you on the board think you have to let something so divisive and cancerous to move forward without as much as a whimper in response? Where is the debate? Where is the outreach to the community to inform them of this grand plan? I am sure it will not be as warmly received as you perceive," he said. "Don't worry, though, I am sure all those students taking ceramics class will give you their support."

Other candidates in the race include Asma Akhras and Deborah Clare Willoughby.