HINSDALE, IL – The Hinsdale High School District 86 board may hire another lawyer at a special meeting Thursday.
According to a meeting agenda posted Tuesday evening, members plan to hold a closed session following comments from the public.
Afterward, the board may take “possible action” to hire “additional legal counsel.” No other information was given.
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Last year’s legal spending amounted to $662,146, according to district records. That’s more than twice as much as nearby districts, including Elmhurst School District 205, where enrollment is twice District 86’s.
Legal spending started surging after the board hired Chicago-based Robbins Schwartz as its main law firm in January. One member, Terri Walker, has questioned the rising bills.
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The special meeting is set for 6 p.m. at the district’s central office, 5500 S. Grant St.
In two instances last year, the board hired Robbins Schwartz for specific purposes during special meetings.
In those cases, the board gave more information on why it wanted to hire an attorney.
Days after a new board majority took control in May 2023, members voted to hire the firm to provide legal advice and “other services related to the employment, compensation, performance, and potential discipline or dismissal of a current employee…”
The board kept the employee’s name secret, but it was clear the board wanted to oust then-Superintendent Tammy Prentiss. The next month, Prentiss struck a deal to leave in exchange for another year’s pay of $277,000.
In September 2023, the board voted 5-2 to hire Robbins Schwartz again to investigate a 6-day-old “message with parent concerns.”
The board never revealed the outcome of that matter.
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