Hinsdale High School District 86
Among other business June 8, board members:
• approved the appointment of Chris Biddix as the new director of equity and inclusion by a 5-1 vote, with Jeff Waters opposing the measure and Peggy James abstaining. Biddix has spent the last seven years at Pritzker College Prep, part of the Noble Network of Charter Schools in Chicago, where he served most recently as the assistant principal of academics and instruction but was previously the manager of school culture and community engagement. He replaces Dr. Patrice Payne, who accepted a position with another school district. Biddix received a one-year contract with a starting base salary of $112,000.
• discussed the district’s national search for a new superintendent. Board president Catherine Greenspon asked board members Kay Gallo and Terri Walker to work together “on streamlining the process” for board consideration, which they agreed to do. Superintendent Tammy Prentiss, whose contract expires at the end of July 2024, has been on a paid leave of absence since May 16. Assistant Superintendent Chris Covino has been serving as acting superintendent in the interim, but he is leaving at the end of the month to become superintendent for La Grange Elementary District 102. The board has not identified a person to fill the role after his departure. On Wednesday afternoon, the Board released a statement, reiterating that Prentiss remains on leave with pay and would not comment on any of its closed session discussions regarding Prentiss’ employment, as permitted under the Open Meetings Act. “To the extent necessary, the Board will continue to ensure that a qualified administrator will be designated as the acting superintendent. The Board continues to seek and act upon legal advice from a special counsel with recognized experience in education and employment law.”
