001I call to order the November 6, 2025 special meeting of the board of education of Hinsdale Township High School District 86. We are meeting in the district administrative center. The time is 6:04 p.m. Deb, will you please call roll? >> Member Greenspun >> here. >> Member Fischer. Member >> here. >> Member Acris >> here. >> Member Leog >> here. >> Member Satchwell >> here. Member Waters here. >> Please stand if you are able and join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Uh there is nobody signed up for public comment. So moving on to 3.1 discussion items. Review Assistant Superintendent of Academics
002Job Description. HR Committee Chair Mitha and Assistant Superintendent of HR Jodie Bryant will present a draft assistant superintendent job description for the board's review. >> Jody, sure. Does everybody have a copy of the draft in front of them? >> Mhm. Okay, perfect. So we went about reviewing the job description. The job description that we had previously was was quite uh quite you quite uh quite old. Uh I think it had it had been there previously for the last couple of assistant superintendents of academics. So gathering input from the cabinet team, from the HR committee, uh we developed and we actually also requested and and looked at different job descriptions from other lake districts uh through our Northwest Personnel um association as well and took what we thought were things that directly correlated to our job
003description. And one of the weaknesses in our description, I think it was um it was it was light. It was like a lot of fluff. Not really direct responsibility. What will this person do? what will this uh person be accountable for? And we wanted to make sure that we were specific and it would guide their work and it would guide the work of the district. So those are the changes that we made. The uh the one question that I have and I I didn't ask it on Tuesday to the HR committee um was the under the qualifications the superintendent endorsement is required. I was wondering if we wanted to also add or in progress that would be a question. >> Required so I will make that change. Okay. So, we developed uh I believe there
004are eight areas in the job description focusing on curriculum instruction, professional learning and staff development, assessment, data and program evaluation as it relates to student achievement, program and grant administration. This position um administers the grants for title one 23 um and the CTE and Perkins grants budget resource management. um talks about their personnel supervision and evaluation and additionally their administrative and organizational responsibilities and then legal compliance and policy implementation. So those are the categories. It's uh more specific than the previous one but I I think it will will lead our sixth individual towards success in that regard. Any questions at all? >> Yeah. >> Suggestions. Um so on um in terms of who this person supervises, is there a difference between what's listed here and what we had done the last time when Jason Murphy
005was in this role? Can somebody remind me how it was what was listed who OD was supervising? >> Sure. Yeah. >> So currently in moving forward they supervise the district ML program. Okay. Which ultimately is our ML coordinator, our director of summer school and other areas as assigned. Previously, there was a direct report to the Lapentino who was the director of innovation and the director of equity and instruction and we took those positions last year and they were were redesigned >> in the I don't know how well it's kind of the difference between direct reports and sort of a a matrix framework. So there's a lot of individuals that this person will interact with and a lot of that work is collaborative across departments across processes. This person will work really closely with department chairs
006with the directors of professional learning with the APIs and the principles and even though he's not their direct supervisor he or she would inform their evaluation. >> Okay. >> So it's it's in they would have input >> be a supervisor directly. >> Okay. And the reason for that is is I feel that it's important that everyone have a direct supervisor and if you're supervised by by 10 different people that becomes difficult and so they will inform the evaluation or if there are concerns they will sit down with your direct supervisor and you to discuss as well. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, this is very uh very comprehensive compliments. Um I like the specificity for sure. I hate vague job descriptions. Um so that's really great. Uh and so a lot of these are these are
007the things that kind of been spread around to different folks right now. Um who and that that are accomp in the cabinet who are accomplishing these things right now, right? >> I would say yes and no. I would say the tasks related with these things have been spread around but in terms of of leading a the program or the process that is is uh not what we're able to facilitate. But we are facilitating that all the tasks get done, all the processes, the reports, all that gets done on time, etc. But it it is not the same as having someone in the position. >> Yeah, >> I I think I mean I think that's a really good point because I think the initial job description was very task oriented and this I mean when I
008look at this as someone who if someone is at the level of an assistant superintendent saying you know 1A facilitates your administrator's long range planning for curriculum instruction assessment and academic programming. We don't have anyone who's specifically tasked with leading that long-term vision of like where are we going, what's needed, how are we going to develop programs for the future as the world's changing to make sure we're supporting kids because we have a great team that has taken on lots of little tasks to support to support this position. But I think the really big thinking was was put on hold honestly and we need that if we're looking to be and always be improving. We need to make sure that we are pressing forward and having thoughtful people who are constantly evaluating program and looking
009holistically at our model and what needs to change or stay the same all the time. >> I think so. For a little clarity, 8C recommends revisions to district policies and procedures to reflect evolving educational needs and standards. Tell me what that means to you. So first can we outline that this this um this job description is the culmination of work between you Carrie >> members of you know cabinet >> including yeah including the superintendent >> was part of those >> I don't know think tank sessions >> sure >> y okay so what does 8c mean to you >> so 18 means to me uh district policies, procedures direct evolving educational needs and standards. Evolving means the evolving needs of our kids. So for example, as our ML population increases, what are some policies and procedures
010we need to change to meet the needs of those students? >> So I think the in general, the district has been taken through um curricular overhaul in um in the name of trends. I'm not saying bugs, new trends, so on so forth. I think I I think we need to refine 8C. >> Sure. >> So that we the assistant superintendent >> clear. >> So it's clear like >> So I hear you're saying, but I think recommending them is okay. We, you know, it doesn't mean we're going to approve it and just rubber stamp it, but I want somebody who's going to be in this role who is paying attention to what would help us evolve to meet our students needs. Mhm. So, is there a better word? >> Yeah. So, so I get it. I
011do. And the board ultimately has is is where the buck stops, right? We have to approve it or not approve it. However, it feels like what has happened in the past is that district administration implemented curricular academic changes when the buildings didn't necessarily agree. And my my feeling as one board member is the buildings have a better gauge and a read on what the students need in those particular buildings and staff knows what our kids need, you know. >> Yeah. >> So I I'm just concerned that at the district level, if this remains this way, we could end up with an assistant superintendent for academics. That is a top- down approach. Meaning they decide this is what our kids need without knowing our kids in the buildings that the administrators that know our kids in
012the building are a building administration with them to recommend revisions for students unique needs. >> I I don't think there this hasn't there's a need for 8C under legal compliance and policy implementation. This would go under academics. >> Okay. encourage choice, right? That's where we ran into trouble this past year and a half. >> I hear what you're saying. I just also don't want to, you know, tiny one's hands and let you know them make them feel that they can't propose changes that would be helpful to students. >> Right. But that would be under curriculum and instruction and not policy. >> Okay. So, >> in hearing both >> want to move it >> pieces to that. I I do think it's important to have something in there regard in regards to um needs and standards
013under the legal compliance in term just for example our ML how that changes etc but I can write something there >> it keeps informed of all laws regulations and policies affecting curriculum instruction etc. There you go. >> Right. It's already there. >> Okay. >> Again, I don't want there to be confusion. >> I don't want our district to go through what we've been through. It's too much. >> Right. >> Okay. I will make that change. >> Thank you. >> So, are we striking or moving under another area? >> We're striking 8C and then Jod's going to add it to make sure it's it's included in the curriculum and instruction. Maybe you under G like recommends new courses, credit options, graduation requirements or other things that would support all those. >> Yes, has her hand up
014asma. >> Yes. I I needed a little bit of clarity, Jody, about the supervision. I what Mary asked. I'm sorry. I was a little confused. Um this role is evaluatory, right? They they will have responsibilities of evaluations. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> And then they themselves will be evaluated by supervisor. Is that correct? >> Correct. By the superintendent >> and that Okay. All right. That's what I needed 30. Thank you. >> All right. Was there anything else? The only the only other thing I had I think it's a similar parallel to what you were recently discussing one F where it says leads principles assistant principles for instruction etc. Again it's the top down thing I'm trying to avoid and the word leads is better than you know what it could be to avoid that
015concern of top down. I'm trying to make sure we're empowering our building principles to perhaps collaborate with the role person in the role >> leads through collaboration. >> Yeah. Or how about just instead of leads >> collaborate >> facilitates principal you know >> facilitates curriculum development >> with principles is this >> in collaboration with principles principles >> right >> okay >> y had a few questions Um, does this where where does this fit into the org chart? I understand this position reports to the superintendent. >> Um, does does this position manage people? >> It does. It directly manages in terms of the district ML program, director of summer school, etc. And in regards to different frameworks of of org charts, you know, you um I had responded to a question that you had had earlier
016in terms of it is much like a matrix as well, right? It's not a direct line. This person will work collaboratively across departments. So it will work with department chairs, APIs, principles, etc. on prog on projects, on processes, and they'll also have a supervisory role with those individuals, but we'll work with the the direct supervisor to that end. >> But there will be no one who only reports to this assistant superintendent, >> the the ML coordinator and the director of summer school. >> Okay. Not the principles. >> Gotcha. Um, >> or the APIs are >> in some districts the principles can, but I would say >> in our district >> because we only have two high schools, I would say no. I think it would be beneficial that it stay with the superintendent. If you
017had 10 high schools, then you would you would possibly have them report to an assistant principal. But I I I would recommend staying with what we have with that structure. >> Okay. And then how worried are we about the overlap between this position and the assistant principles? >> The APIs, >> correct? >> I don't I personally am not worried about that overlap because the APIs are actually they're handson with the teachers and the our kids in each building. the uh assistant superintendent that we're speaking of. This position is supervisory and overarching not necess they this position isn't going to know our staff in the buildings and our kids. I know where you're going. >> Yeah, I'm not psyched about the position. It's $250,000 that we could spend on direct instruction for kids. the best thing
018we can do is put teachers right in front of students, >> which is what we do. So, I'm not sure how this position would change that, but what I will suggest is to consider for this board to really consider. We are currently recruiting for superintendent. Right now, in general, the norm, overwhelmingly the norm is for a district to have superintendent and an assistant superintendent for academics or something like this position. and then building leadership. That pivot would change effectively the job description of the superintendent that has already been put out and applications are coming in. If the district chooses to pivot on this position, we could do so later, but that would be in collaboration with the superintendent. >> And what we're doing now is treading water, right? without this a person to own these
019things, right? We are making do. But I think if we want to do more than make do and status quo and there's a lot in here that you know it's it isn't necessarily getting done because we just don't have the capacity without having a person to own those. >> Okay. It it is not sustainable long term even as even task oriented an oriented structure. It is not um it is I believe a one a willingness to do that work one time and if we impose that long term we it would be my fear that we would lose grades for preparation sake in marker for example much smaller districts only 1300 students for a time we tried to have a combined assistant superintendent of academics and student services um so it' be like combining what Krie
020and Jason did separately into one and it wasn't sustainable even for our small district so we now submitting two separate rules. The only other thing is that our district has been reorded over the last year and a half. I would like for the new superintendent to have an opportunity to to take a look and see what that looks like. It makes sense to the new superintendent. So ideally if all goes based on the time frame the timetable we will have an offer and a new superintendent coming in in January not starting in January but we will have somebody in place contract in hand and at that point the new superintendent we will not have hired for the new superintendent uh for academics until February or March. So, we'll still have some time for the new
021superintendent to to um develop thought around this and decide about the reorder because we also have other positions that were uh created over the last less than a year. Then I that there are some overlaps too. And from a hiring standpoint, it would be nice if that new superintendent could have a say on this job description. >> That would be the goal. Absolutely. And we would be delaying our our second round, final round, etc. to that end that we want to be flexible. We want to be agile and and we'd like to be able to do that. >> So, we may recruit under this job description and then adjust it later. the superintendent might ask to adjust it >> or the contract length or something else that's not part of the job description, you know,
022>> could be adjusted and still not delay further having someone to take this on. >> Okay, I think so. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So the reason why we're meeting discussing this is because the um HR committee and of course the assistant superintendent of HR would like to get the job posted so we can begin um the application process and begin screening. Um Jod and Liz have already shared multiple times that time frame the matrix of both this or all of the position the cabinet level positions superintendent assistant superintendent for academics as well as the CIO. One thing I'd like for you to note please and will note publicly and this this job description will be available in draft form as soon as the meeting convenes today. Correct. On the agenda. >> Sure. It's in draft
023form and then >> in draft form >> we can post it. >> Yes. Correct. Wait. The board has seen it. Y >> and has had an opportunity to talk about. So now we we can uh the job title is changing per administration's recommendation. Assistant superintendent of curriculum instruction and assessment >> aka the assistant CIA. >> CIA the CIA. >> The CIA. But but that's really important to note because it has it was it was more descriptive a couple years ago. It changed it changed to just academics for whatever reason. >> Um but we uh this is more than an academics position. It's curriculum instruction and assessment. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Uh the other thing is um I asked kindly uh Liz and Jody. Oh boy. To ensure that this process would include meaningful opportunities for
024APIs, >> our department chairs >> and our building leadership like meaningful >> to do what? interview, provide feedback, all of that stuff. >> The the bulk of the feedback and input should not come from this district office >> has to come from the building. >> Yes. >> Um to that and in terms of posting, Jody, do we need to talk about salary? We talked about it some in HR committee, but do you do we need to talk about that before it's posted? Sure. As of January 1st of last year, the the law changed in which when you post a position, you have to post a range. >> So, the range um it would be between 180 and $200,000 would be the range for this position that was posted uh last last March. I would recommend
025staying with that range. >> Okay. Y >> sounds good. Thank you. Can we start the range a little bit lower? >> Mhm. >> Like 170 to 200 maybe. This is the reason why. If you look at our cabinet salaries, they're all right around that same area. >> Mhm. >> And our cabinet, we've had have many years of experience in this district and otherwise also with um doctorates and other certifications. I think 170 to 200 is a nice range to start with. >> Does that reflect a pretty good um position respective to other districts in the area, similar size? >> Yes, it still gives us the flexibility if we have somebody very early in their career to to appropriately >> um >> Yep, that works. Does everybody agreeable? >> All right. So, we're providing direction to
026assistant superintendent for HR, Jody Bryant, um to move forward with one sharing this draft uh job description publicly on this agenda, right? So, the community can see it, the public can see it. to job title acknowledge job title change from assistant superintendent of academics to assistant superintendent of curriculum instruction and assessment um and all of the the detail in the this job description as opposed to the more vague job description that was used in the past. Um also acknowledging that the new superintendent will have an opportunity for final to participate in the interview process. >> Yes. >> And also have an opportunity to look at the org chart the way the district is organized and see uh which would could inform uh this position and the contract terms. Yeah. For evaluation. Yep. Okay. Is there
027anything else? >> 2E overseas PLC professional community initially release program for DLC leaders. That's faster than what you can do. Um, >> bring it on, buddy. >> No, it talks about early release program. I'm just Is that preddecisional at all? >> What What are you talking about pre-decision? >> Early release program. We may not We may or may not have that in the next contract. >> That's okay. >> Well, we have it right now, though. Um, >> so the contract doesn't expire till 27. So it >> So it's for the current obvious. >> Yeah. Then we'll talk and and and who knows. >> Yeah. >> Again, the new superintendent >> Yeah. >> needs a minute, >> right? >> Yeah. >> And I think while we have it, it's good to include it. If something pulls
028off of here, like that no longer applies. I mean, I think you just assume that the her job is no longer being done. That's right. 2E has the serial comma >> but the job title doesn't like you >> and is it four >> I love >> what I we can talk >> I just if if the superintendent is a stickler for consistency I wouldn't want to scare them away >> okay we have an expert here Pam Lam how do you feel about the Oxford com style does not use the Oxford comma and we use AP style. That's not a a >> that's just a fact. I still read the Hiselian, but I strongly disagree. >> Hard disagree. >> Then I'd remove it from 2E. >> I will say that Alex came and asked about the
029comma in the title. We did have that conversation. >> That's it. Everyone who's on team Oxford like let's get shirts because I am I am unwavering. So Jody skip. >> Okay. Jody has a question. >> Just wanted to ask a clarifying question in terms of the changes that I'm going to be making at the recommendation of the board. What we post, do you want it to be what we had before we started making changes or do you want me to make the changes and then post it? >> Make the changes and post it. >> Thank you. >> Trying to raise my hand on that. >> Yep. >> Post. You mean for the community to see? Correct. >> Changes. >> You want them to see it with the the revisions you've discussed. >> Yeah. I I
030>> And if they want to know how we got there, they can listen and watch. >> Yeah. Right. Or listen. >> I just There's not that many. Can you update it right now on the fly? Can Can it be updated on the fly right now? There's very few changes. Right. >> Add a comment >> because you're going to post the position tomorrow. Correct. We're scheduled to post it on the 16th or 17th. We're going to close it on January. >> Make the changes and then make it available tomorrow by midday. Is that okay? >> Perfect. >> Thank you. >> Does anybody have anything else? >> Great work on this. >> Yeah. Great work, friends. >> Jodian cabinet. Yeah. >> Collaborative. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Okay, with no further discussion on 3.1, may I have
031a motion to adjurnn to close session for discussion under the exception 5 LCS12C1 appointment consultation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in park, recreational or educational setting, or a volunteer of a public body, or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. However, a meeting to consider an increase in compensation to a specific employee of a public body that is subject to the local government wage increase transparency act may not be closed and shall be open to the public and posted and held in accordance
032with this act. 5CS122C2. collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. Five LCS 122C8 security procedures, school building safety and security and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual a threatened or reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public or public property. and 5 ILCS 122C10, the placement of individual students in special education programs and other matters relating to individual students. Five, ILCS 2C11 litigation when an action against affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before court or administrative tribunal or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent in which case the basis for the finding shall be
033recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting. May I have a motion? >> So move Satchwell. >> Motion Satchwell. Is there a second? >> Second. Water. Uh, is there any discussion? >> Waters. >> The exception is longer than the meeting. >> Uh, please call the role. >> Member Waters. >> I. >> Member Satchwell. >> Hi. >> Member Leak. >> Hi. >> Member Aris. >> I. >> Member Mitha. >> I. >> Member Fischer. >> I. >> Member Greenspun. >> I. Motion carries 70. The board will now adjourn to close session. The board will not take action following the close session as detailed on the agenda. Thank you. >> Okay. Who knows? She's always >> The time is 8:02 p.m. and the board now reconvenes the open session of the November 6, 2025 special meeting.
034>> What did she lose? >> With no further discussion, the November 6, 2025 meeting is adjourned at 8:02 p.m. Thank you.