Hinsdale Dist. 86 names assistant superintendent

The Hinsdale High School District 86 school board has appointed Director of Student Services Brad Verthein as assistant superintendent of student services effective July 1.

Verthein will replace Tammy Prentiss, who will become superintendent of schools effective May 1, following the request from current Superintendent Bruce Law for early release from his contract effective April 30.

"We are delighted that Brad will take the helm in student services," Prentiss said. "Brad has established relationships with our families and staff, and that connection has provided the foundation to help us improve what we do.

"We have strengthened our processes for supporting students, and because of that work District 86 has become a national model for social and emotional learning at the high school level. Now Brad will lead the implementation of the strategic plan in student services, aligning our resources to our values."

"I am honored to follow Tammy in this role and for this tremendous opportunity," Verthein said. "I want to express my gratitude to our community, the board, Pam Bylsma, Bruce Law and Tammy Prentiss for their support, their mentorship and their confidence in me.

"I began my career in education as a school psychologist, focused on helping improve academic, behavioral and emotional outcomes for students. I am still committed to those goals.

"My past five years in District 86 have included a thorough review of the department and, as a result, we have made vast improvements in the services we offer and how we offer them. The creation of the Transition Center, the Bridge Program and HAVEN are a testament to that work and the commitment we have to our students and families."

Verthein has served as director of student services in District 86 since 2014. He previously was assistant director of pupil services for Naperville Unit District 203 for one year and a school psychologist in Indian Prairie Unit District 204 for eight years.

He holds a master's in education and a master's in psychology from Northern Illinois University, as well as a master's from the University of Notre Dame and a bachelor's from St. Mary's College.