D-86 Leadership Struggle Ends After 10 Ballots

HINSDALE, IL — The Hinsdale High School District 86 board took 10 votes Monday before deciding on a new president, Terri Walker, a process that lasted two hours.

It was a three-way race for the president's position, with the incumbents backing the longest-serving board member, Kathleen Hirsman, touting her experience.

Meanwhile, the four members elected April 6 were divided.

After the ninth ballot, a frustrated Hirsman pulled out of the race, but said it was up to the four newcomers to decide on a new leader.

For the first nine ballots, incumbents Erik Held and Cynthia Hanson voted for Hirsman. Debbie Levinthal, who teamed up with Walker in the election, backed her ally. And Peggy James voted for her election teammate, Jeff Waters. No one could get a majority for the first nine ballots.

In their campaigns, the four newcomers opposed the district's controversial curriculum changes in science and math over the last couple of years. After their victories, there was talk they had a mandate. But the struggle over the presidency indicated they lack cohesion — at least at this point.

In the election, the newcomers ousted President Kevin Camden and members Tamakia Edwards and Marty Turek. Keith Chval decided against running again.

During the meeting, Held and Hanson noted Hirsman's experience in the educational field, a professor and lawyer who teaches many of the subjects that come before the board. Levinthal cited Walker's experience working for an educational company and bringing people together. And James said Waters has a track record supporting the schools.

After each vote, members made their cases for their candidates, often repeating their points. But no one budged.

Held and Hanson argued there was a steep learning curve becoming a board member, let alone president. They said it was important to elect Hirsman for the sake of continuity. But Held said he recognized that voters made a choice and that the election wasn't close.

After the sixth ballot, Hirsman showed her frustration.

"I think this is a ridiculous exercise and let me be entirely candid: The four of you were elected a month ago. You came onto the board with a majority of four. You control the decision on who is going to be board president if you can agree amongst yourselves," Hirsman said. "We are three, you are four. This is not our responsibility; this is your responsibility."

Hanson added, "If you're looking for one of us to break it, that's a clear indication why we need to have continuity."

After the ninth round, Hirsman withdrew her name.

"We've got to get past this point, and I want all of our new board members to understand that is what it takes to move forward on actions," Hirsman said. "I still strongly believe that this district is best served by a president who has experience."

She said she would not make the decision for the four new members, "with the hopes you can reach some sort of consensus, and I'm angry."

"When I came on the board in 2015, we had meetings that spanned two calendar days. You know why that was? Because we had a dysfunctional board," Hirsman said. "What I'm seeing here is very, very scary because it reminds me of what occurred when I came on the board in 2015. It was very difficult to get anything done."

In the 10th ballot, Waters received the support of James and Held, along with his own vote, still lacking a majority.

Walker got votes from herself, Hanson, Levinthal and, after a long pause, James, with a successful vote of 4-3. In the final round, James voted for both Walker and Waters. Hirsman abstained.

By 4-3 votes, Hirsman and James became vice president and secretary, respectively.