Ex-District 86 Leader Bashes Superintendent After Election

HINSDALE, IL — The former president of the Hinsdale High School District 86 board on Wednesday called the superintendent "the problem" for the district.

Former President Nancy Pollak spoke out about 12 hours after the outcome of Tuesday's election became known. It was apparently the first time Pollak has publicly criticized Superintendent Tammy Prentiss, whom Pollak voted to appoint in 2019.

Pollak posted her criticism on Facebook.

"Perhaps now the entire D86 community will realize the problem is the Superintendent and her failure to understand who she works for and how to balance those needs," Pollak said in her message.

Through a spokesman, Prentiss said she had no comment on Pollak's statement.

Board President Kevin Camden did not return an immediate message for comment. Pollak's previous posts on Facebook indicated she supported Camden and the other two incumbents running in the election, all of whom lost.

With the new election, four new members are joining the board who have sharply different views about changes to the math and science curriculums since late 2019. The curriculum issues have been the subject of heated debates.

In response to Pollak's Facebook message, Jennifer Planson, a former District 86 board member, wrote that the board believed that Prentiss would be a successful superintendent as long as she got guidance from her predecessor, Bruce Law, during his remaining time. Planson noted the board extended Prentiss' contract by three years in November. It was a unanimous vote.

"During her first 2 years (prior to the extension), it became clear she was not the right person for the job... You are correct the community has spoken and are interested in change," Planson wrote. "Time will tell to see if they fulfill their promises."

Pollak "liked" the woman's comment.

In a December Facebook post, Pollak expressed support for Camden and incumbents Marty Turek and Tamakia Edwards. The District 86 board, she said, has suffered more turnover than other districts.

She said it was "huge" that the three incumbents wanted to continue serving, especially given the challenging times.

"There are lots of things I don’t agree with, but put your trust in these 3 come April, especially Camden," Pollak said. "He’ll get it right for all of us."

Two weeks ago, Pollak asked people on Facebook to private message her if they needed a Camden yard sign.

On June 30, Camden announced Pollak was stepping down from her position immediately because she was moving out of state. Her Facebook page indicates she moved to Ludington, Mich., a harbor town on Lake Michigan.

Pollak's departure occurred a month after the school district settled a federal lawsuit with three residents, who contended the board, at Pollak's direction, stifled their First Amendment rights during public input. The settlement cost the district nearly $50,000 for both sides' legal bills.

In a statement upon Pollak's resignation, Camden praised her service to the community.

"While I am incredibly happy for my close friend and colleague, I am saddened by the loss of a trusted member of our team and important leader in our community," Camden said. "Nancy has been a dedicated and selfless public servant, particularly in the area of public education."

Pollak did not immediately return a message from Patch left on Facebook.

The school board meets Thursday. The new members take office May 3.