Hinsdale D86 Gives Vague Reasons For Hiring New Law Firm
HINSDALE, IL – The Hinsdale High School District 86 board late last week selected a law firm to handle “select students, special education and other matters.”
This is in addition to its main law firm.
The district’s spokesman, Alex Mayster, did not answer a message on Friday on the details about the hiring of Oak Brook-based Engler, Callaway, Baasten & Sraga.
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The board voted 4-0 for the law firm. Members Peggy James, Terri Walker and Jeff Waters were absent from the meeting.
The special meeting was called specifically to vote on the law firm. The action was taken after a closed session.
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In January, the board decided to make Chicago-based Robbins Schwartz its main law firm. One of the firm’s specialties is special education, so it was unclear why the board went to another firm for such services.
With Robbins Schwartz, the district’s legal bills have risen far higher than those in other districts.
In 2023, the board twice appointed Robbins Schwartz as special counsel for specific matters, alerting the public about the general reasons beforehand. The board did not follow that practice this time, keeping the public in the dark until just before the vote.
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