Schools
Hinsdale D86 Reveals Previously Secret Plan On Early Leader Change
The board confirmed a change that was announced in another state a month ago.
HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale High School District 86 this weekend acknowledged a leadership transfer that will happen a month sooner than expected.
The change became publicly known in northwest Indiana in early May.
On Monday morning, the school board plans to vote on Chip Pettit becoming superintendent on Thursday, instead of July 1, as originally planned.
Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The board revealed this information in a meeting agenda that the board released early Saturday morning.
On Thursday, the board voted unanimously to put Michael Lach, superintendent for the last two years, on administrative leave starting Wednesday and lasting through June 30. He'll continue to receive his salary and benefits.
Find out what's happening in Hinsdale-Clarendon Hillsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
At the meeting, the board did not indicate who would take the reins in the meantime.
In early May, Pettit, superintendent for the Duneland school district in northwest Indiana, told his school board at a meeting that he would start in District 86 starting this week, according to Indiana's Post-Tribune newspaper.
The Duneland board agreed to let him leave early.
Last week, Patch learned of Pettit's public statement and left messages with all seven District 86 board members about it. No one responded.
Last August, Lach announced he would retire June 30, a year early under his three-year contract.
The board has shrouded in secrecy its decisions about the superintendent's position.
In an internal February email, Greenspon told administrators that Lach would work remotely four days a week with limited duties.
The changes to his employment were kept from the public until Patch reported on them in April.
In May 2023, the board, with its lawyer present, decided behind closed doors to suspend then-Superintendent Tammy Prentiss. Members announced their action in a statement the next day.
Patch filed a complaint, alleging the board violated the Open Meetings Act, which prohibits boards from making decisions in closed sessions.
The attorney general concluded the board violated the law.
A month and a half after her suspension, Prentiss resigned as part of a settlement, getting an extra year of pay and benefits.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
