© Shutterstock Hinsdale resident Michelle Ptak said last week that Hinsdale High School District 86 needs to rid itself of critical race theory, but she provided no evidence it was being taught at Hinsdale Central or South.
DARIEN, IL — A Hinsdale resident last week alleged a vendor for Hinsdale High School District 86 was a tool for spreading critical race theory.
During a school board meeting, resident Michelle Ptak focused on the district's $17,750 contract with Panorama Education Inc. The board unanimously approved the agreement in May, shortly after new members took office.
According to the district's information in May, Panorama was hired to help Hinsdale Central and South collect and analyze data about social-emotional learning, school climate and family engagement.
Ptak pointed out that Panorama's co-founder is Xan Tanner, the son-in-law of Attorney General Merrick Garland, an appointee of President Joe Biden.
"Why is the attorney general being questioned by the House Judiciary Committee and why is the inspector general being asked to investigate Attorney General Merrick Garland's link to Panorama, which is headed by his son-in-law and pushes critical race theory in schools?" she asked.
A few House Republicans have asked the inspector general to look into the connections.
Ptak asked for the purpose behind hiring Panorama.
"If your answer is to better serve and/or fix problems, what does race, ethnicity and gender have to do with any of that?" she said. "Breaking down opinions is in no way productive to fixing any issue at D-86."
She said the district was not answering her questions about the contract. She said it was hiding that the company could use D-86 data for its own purposes. The contract requires the company to keep student data private.
"Today, the administration faces no repercussions for another bad contract or for withholding information from the community and board. It is beyond poor oversight on the board's part and another example of the board rushing through an agenda without all the information," Ptak said.
She said the contract included no clause for poor performance. The agreement, however, does state either party may terminate for breach of contract.
Ptak contended the board continues to allow the administration to negotiate contracts when it lacks such sophistication.
"All of this is part and parcel to a culture cultivated by not only the administration, but by the board," Ptak said. "At this point, if the board doesn't remedy the culture and rid D-86 of (critical race theory) and politically entrenched programs that you have allowed, you are complicit."
Conservatives and liberals debate the definition of the theory, often called CRT. It's been around for four decades and examines societal issues through the lens of race. Proponents see racism as part of legal systems and policies, not just the result of individual prejudice.
Patch left a message for comment through Facebook with Ptak on whether she had evidence that critical race theory was being taught in the district. Others have suggested the theory was being promoted in the classroom, but they have yet to come forward with documentation.
In a statement to Patch on Monday, the district's spokesman, Chris Jasculca, said Panorama was being used to administer feedback surveys to students, faculty, staff and families.
"The insights and information we collect will be used to help build on our strengths," he said. "They will also enable us to better understand our opportunities for improvement and develop strategies and solutions for addressing them. These efforts are being undertaken in conjunction with the mission, vision, values and goals of our strategic plan, which include strengthening connections with our stakeholders and giving them a voice in the work we are doing to guide our students down the path toward their ideal future."
Panorama's contracts with school districts around the country have been undergoing scrutiny from conservatives.
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