D86 Board Sets More Public-Friendly Agenda Practice

The public will get access going forward to just about all of District 86 agenda documents at the same time board members do, a departure from the district's practice of holding back most documents until after board meetings. 

Board members agreed at Monday night’s meeting, without taking a vote, to direct the district’s administration to post all agenda documents, other than certain confidential personnel and legal documents, on the district’s website when they as board members receive them on the Thursdays before Monday meetings.  

“We’re fine with that,” Superintendent Nick Wahl said. 

The item was brought up by Board President Victor Casini during his president's report. 

Up until now, agendas have been posted publicly on Fridays, with some but not all corresponding documents included so that board members can be the first community members to have a look. The morning after meetings, the district has posted those documents on its website. 

Kay Gallo at one point Monday proposed a compromised idea of posting the agenda Friday and all corresponding documents Monday morning, so that the public can see them in advance but board members still get first crack. In the end, though, all members agreed to try the Thursday release and see how it works.   

Ed Corcoran mentioned the benefits the new practice would have for members of the press covering the meetings, and Claudia Manley said it would actually be in the board’s best interest. 

“You’d be amazed, with the release of more information, the more information you as a board member receive back,” Manley said.  

District 181, District 86’s largest feeder district, allows the public access to all agenda documents in advance of their meetings, as does the Village of Hinsdale Board of Trustees and the Clarendon Hills Village Board.