Hinsdale High School District 86 Board
Among other business Feb. 26, board members:
• approved a five-day unpaid suspension for Hinsdale South science teacher Lisa Fernandez. Board President Nancy Pollak read the following statement following a closed session on the matter: “We are aware of an incident at Hinsdale South involving a member of our staff, Lisa Fernandez, who exercised poor judgment by using a racial slur when trying to engage students in a discussion about Black History Month. We take these matters very seriously, and immediately launched an investigation into this situation that was led by our human resources department. This investigation revealed that the use of the slur, while wholly indefensible, was not intended to be malicious or demeaning in nature. With that said, the intent does not excuse the act, or minimize the impact it had on members of the District 86 community.
“Our district is strongly committed to ensuring that everyone feels safe, welcome and respected in our buildings,” she continued. “It is because of this commitment that we have no tolerance for the use of such language by our students or staff. We thank the students who brought this important issue to our attention. We thank the building administration from South and the HR department for its help with the investigation.”
• were updated by Superintendent Tammy Prentiss on the search for a new assistant superintendent for academics. The position has been posted since Feb. 20, eliciting 20 applicants. The district is working Illinois Association of School Boards to assist with the search to replace Carol Baker, whose contract was not renewed. The district will host a pair of meetings tomorrow, March 6, to obtain input from students, staff, parents/guardians and community members about the attributes the next assistant superintendent for academics should possess.
• tabled discussion of an agreement with The Community House to provide social work and therapy services to students to augment the range of services currently offered by the district.
