Hinsdale School District Debates Teacher Cuts Amid Enrollment Decline

Board members disagree on the extent of staffing reductions needed as student population falls

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hinsdale High School District 86 is facing declining enrollment, with a 19% drop at Hinsdale South and 13% at Hinsdale Central since 2018. The district's administration has proposed reducing certified staff by 2%, from 360 to 353 positions. However, board member Jeff Waters argues the district should aim for deeper cuts, potentially down to 340 staff, to show fiscal responsibility. Other board members, like Liz Mitha, want to consult with incoming superintendent Chip Pettit before making further reductions, concerned about the potential impact on students. The board also discussed the role of department chairs, with some questioning whether they should continue teaching classes.

Why it matters

As school districts across the country grapple with declining enrollment, Hinsdale's debate highlights the difficult decisions administrators and school boards must make to balance budgets and staffing levels. The outcome could impact class sizes, program offerings, and the overall educational experience for students in the district.

The details

Hinsdale High School District 86 has seen a significant enrollment decline in recent years, with a 19% drop at Hinsdale South and 13% at Hinsdale Central since 2018. The district's administration has proposed reducing certified staff from 360 to 353 positions, about a 2% decrease. However, board member Jeff Waters argues the district should aim for deeper cuts, potentially down to 340 staff, to show fiscal responsibility. Other board members, like Liz Mitha, want to consult with incoming superintendent Chip Pettit before making further reductions, concerned about the potential impact on students. The board also discussed the role of department chairs, with some questioning whether they should continue teaching classes.

  • Since 2018, enrollment has fallen by 19 percent at Hinsdale South and 13 percent at Hinsdale Central.
  • The district's administration proposed reducing certified staff to 353 next year, from 360, about a 2 percent decrease.
  • Chip Pettit is becoming the superintendent in July and will be consulted on the appropriate level of staffing cuts.

The players

Jeff Waters

A board member who started in 2021 and is advocating for deeper staffing reductions than the district's proposal.

Liz Mitha

A board member who said she was comfortable with the proposed 2% cut in certified staff, which she said was already double the reductions since 2019.

Chip Pettit

The incoming superintendent who will start in July and whose advice the board wants to seek before making further staffing cuts.

Catherine Greenspon

The board president who urged the board to let the administration contact Pettit about the staffing issue instead of arguing about it.

Bobby Fischer

A board member who said he found it problematic that some department chairmen taught no classes, questioning their credibility as leaders.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think we can do a lot better.”

— Jeff Waters, Board member

“I want to make sure we're not making hasty decisions that could have consequences for kids.”

— Liz Mitha, Board member

“How can you lead a team if you aren't in the classroom teaching at all? Doesn't it cost them credibility?”

— Bobby Fischer, Board member

What’s next

The board plans to consult with incoming superintendent Chip Pettit before making any further staffing cuts for the 2027 school year.

The takeaway

Hinsdale's debate over teacher cuts highlights the difficult balancing act school districts face as they grapple with declining enrollment and the need to maintain fiscal responsibility while also preserving educational quality and programs for students.