Hinsdale D-86 Combats 'Rumors' Before Election

HINSDALE, IL — Hinsdale High School District 86 is mailing out a newsletter to combat "myths" and "rumors" just in time for Tuesday's school board election.

In the 16-page newsletter, the district promotes its changes to its science and math curriculums, both of which have been controversial.

It also touts its curriculum alignment plan, which is part of the effort to bring equity to course offerings at Hinsdale South and Central high schools.

"While it is important to articulate what curriculum alignment and a focus on continuous improvement can do for students, teachers and families, it is equally important to dispel the rumors, myths, fears and misperceptions that often accompany this work," the newsletter says.

The newsletter, called "D86 Forward," is coming out as the district's school board incumbents defend their decisions in the face of vocal opponents.

A search of the district's website indicates D86 Forward has come out two times before — winter and summer-fall editions in 2020. The district had no spring edition last year. Its summer-fall edition was half the size of the latest one.

In the recent newsletter, the district uses a "myth" and "fact" format in explaining the changes to the science and math curriculums. The district refers to a common argument that changing the traditional science class sequence is untried. The district argues the unconventional sequence that it has adopted has been used throughout the country, including at Hinsdale South for the last decade.

Also in D86 Forward, the district stated its goal is to align the curriculums at Central and South. Some South residents say the district has allowed South's enrollment to dwindle to a point where course offerings are fewer than at Central, which is in the far wealthier part of the district.

In the newsletter, the district promised alignment would not mean compromising a rigorous curriculum, eliminating honors classes or making changes overnight. It did not repeat the district spokesman's recent contention that Central and South have "too many courses."

Patch has been unable to reach the district's spokesman, Chris Jasculca, for comment on the newsletter because the district is on spring break. School board President Kevin Camden, who is seeking re-election, could not be reached for immediate comment.

In an email to Patch, Burr Ridge resident Alan Hruby, who has been vocal on equity for South, questioned the timing of the newsletter. He said he received his copy in the mail Friday.

The newsletter, Hruby said, cherry-picked and rephrased objections voiced by school board challengers, characterizing them as "myths and misperceptions."

"If I were a candidate running against the incumbents, I would be displeased with the use of taxpayer funds to reframe and discredit my objections without giving me an opportunity to reach the same audience of 35,000 households and businesses with my side of the story, especially with an election imminent," Hruby said.