From: Terri Walker on behalf of Terri Walker <twalker@hinsdale86.

org>
To: Kathleen Hirsman
Subject: Fwd: CONFIDENTIAL: Incident
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2021 3:26:45 PM

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 11:14 AM
Subject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL: Incident
To: Erik Held <[email protected]>
Cc: Terri Walker <[email protected]>, Cheryl Moore <[email protected]>

Erik,
This email confirms receipt of your email.  I will let you know how the district will proceed
in the near future.
Thank you,
Tammy

On Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 10:45 AM Erik Held <[email protected]> wrote:

Tammy-

Following up on the below, and after much thought, I am formally filing a complaint per the
Uniform Grievance Procedure (policy 2:260) against Board Member Jeff Waters for his
actions the night of October 28, 2021. It is not my intent, with this complaint, to damage the
work of the district or the board, and I don't take this step lightly. 

It is my assertion that he willfully violated the D86 Board Oath and Code of Conduct ("I
shall encourage free expression..."; "...faithfully discharge the duties...in accordance
with...the laws of the State of Illinois") and the IASB Code of Conduct (items 2, 4, and 6)
that the Board has adopted.  

Further, I assert that he willfully violated policy 8:30 by knowingly 1) striking me as

previously detailed, 2) threatening me with unspecified but repeated reference to future
elections, 3) attempting to intimidate me into not freely expressing myself at the board table,
and 4) continuously using "vulgar or obscene language" in a harassing manner in the
presence of multiple District employees, Board Members, and at least one community
member. See attached for my recounting of these events.

Further, I assert that he willfully violated policy 8:30 by intimidating/seeking to coerce

Chris Cesak, the security guard present, to lie by omission and violate the duties of his
position by telling him to forget the event ever happened and not to tell anyone. I hold that
there may be other policies, procedures or statutes that could have been violated by this
action that may be determined at a later date by district counsel or an investigator.

It is possible Member Waters also violated 720 ILCS 5/12-6, in both violations of 8:30 as
directed to me, as well as his highly improper and egregious request to Mr. Cesak. As policy
2:260 makes clear, the "right to pursue other remedies" (such as civil actions, criminal
complaints, etc.) is not impaired by the UGP, and Mr. Cesak or I both retain the right to
make a civil or criminal complaint in these matters.

These are not the actions we wish to model to the students in our buildings or the rest of the
community. They are, to speak clearly, the actions of a bully. Policy 7:180 speaks to the
bullying of students, and one word immediately stands out: "diminish." "Bullying,
intimidation and harassment diminish a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to
educate." Board Member Water's bullying actions diminish the district, it's educational
mission, the work environment of its staff, and the function of the Board. These actions -
this conduct unbecoming a school board member - cannot be allowed to stand unanswered if
we wish to maintain the validity of our policies and fidelity to the ethos of the District. 

Were I a regular member of the community subject to this behavior and not a board member,
there is no doubt in my mind we'd hear a loud call for his immediate removal. I believe that
is a question the Board will need to take up, alongside other potential actions, like censure or
a temporary ban from District property. In my estimation, looking at policy 2:60, he has
"failed to perform his...official duties" by flagrantly violating policy, his oath, and likely
other laws/statutes of Illinois. But it is for the board, after the appropriate steps, to determine
any disciplinary steps, and I will abide by those decisions as I swore in my oath.

Please let me know the next steps. Understanding that this is a complaint between board
members, I am uncertain who will be the Complaint Manager, though I have cc'd Cheryl
Moore, as it's as likely as anything to be her purview. It's possible HLERK will not serve as
investigator, but may refer an outside party to act  (as with the Manley/ incident in
2015).  

Something to note: I know the manager will seek to "informally" find a resolution prior to
following the UGP. I would offer that an IASB-mediated closed session of the board
utilizing the "self-assessment" exemption could provide the space to address the complaint
and discuss next steps, consequences, etc., before making the procedure and complaint
public knowledge. 

I am prepared to cooperate in any way. 

Regards,

Erik M. Held
D86 Board of Education Member

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 12:58 PM Erik Held <[email protected]> wrote:

President Walker & Superintendent Prentiss-

The attached is my summary of Board Member Jeff Waters' verbally abusive behavior and
physical intimidation towards me last night after the board meeting. The incident took
place in the drive/turnaround in front of Hinsdale South, and there were multiple
witnesses.

I will freely admit I don't know what - if anything - to do with this. It was shocking
 behavior, especially in full view of the public. I'm still processing it and what it means.  

Were I just a community member, and all else was equal, hearing of this I'd have no doubt
there would be call for expulsion of Member Waters from some members of the
community, if not also the board.

As a board member, is the hurdle of what abuse I can take too high for this to matter? 

Either way, it's unacceptable behavior. Condoning bullying is not a part of D86 culture.

Per my conversation with Pres. Walker, this should at least be referred to counsel for
review and advisement.

Please let me know next steps.

Regards,

Erik M Held
D86 Board Of Education Member

--
Tammy Prentiss Ed.S.
Hinsdale Township High School District 86
630-655-6110
[email protected]
From: Tammy Prentiss on behalf of Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]>
To: Erik Held
Cc: Terri Walker; Cheryl Moore
Subject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL: Incident
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2021 11:13:59 AM

Erik,
This email confirms receipt of your email.  I will let you know how the district will proceed
in the near future.
Thank you,
Tammy

On Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 10:45 AM Erik Held <[email protected]> wrote:

Tammy-

Following up on the below, and after much thought, I am formally filing a complaint per the
Uniform Grievance Procedure (policy 2:260) against Board Member Jeff Waters for his
actions the night of October 28, 2021. It is not my intent, with this complaint, to damage the
work of the district or the board, and I don't take this step lightly. 

It is my assertion that he willfully violated the D86 Board Oath and Code of Conduct ("I
shall encourage free expression..."; "...faithfully discharge the duties...in accordance
with...the laws of the State of Illinois") and the IASB Code of Conduct (items 2, 4, and 6)
that the Board has adopted.  

Further, I assert that he willfully violated policy 8:30 by knowingly 1) striking me as

previously detailed, 2) threatening me with unspecified but repeated reference to future
elections, 3) attempting to intimidate me into not freely expressing myself at the board table,
and 4) continuously using "vulgar or obscene language" in a harassing manner in the
presence of multiple District employees, Board Members, and at least one community
member. See attached for my recounting of these events.

Further, I assert that he willfully violated policy 8:30 by intimidating/seeking to coerce

Chris Cesak, the security guard present, to lie by omission and violate the duties of his
position by telling him to forget the event ever happened and not to tell anyone. I hold that
there may be other policies, procedures or statutes that could have been violated by this
action that may be determined at a later date by district counsel or an investigator.

It is possible Member Waters also violated 720 ILCS 5/12-6, in both violations of 8:30 as
directed to me, as well as his highly improper and egregious request to Mr. Cesak. As policy
2:260 makes clear, the "right to pursue other remedies" (such as civil actions, criminal
complaints, etc.) is not impaired by the UGP, and Mr. Cesak or I both retain the right to
make a civil or criminal complaint in these matters.

These are not the actions we wish to model to the students in our buildings or the rest of the
community. They are, to speak clearly, the actions of a bully. Policy 7:180 speaks to the
bullying of students, and one word immediately stands out: "diminish." "Bullying,
intimidation and harassment diminish a student's ability to learn and a school's ability to
educate." Board Member Water's bullying actions diminish the district, it's educational
mission, the work environment of its staff, and the function of the Board. These actions -
this conduct unbecoming a school board member - cannot be allowed to stand unanswered if
we wish to maintain the validity of our policies and fidelity to the ethos of the District. 

Were I a regular member of the community subject to this behavior and not a board member,
there is no doubt in my mind we'd hear a loud call for his immediate removal. I believe that
is a question the Board will need to take up, alongside other potential actions, like censure or
a temporary ban from District property. In my estimation, looking at policy 2:60, he has
"failed to perform his...official duties" by flagrantly violating policy, his oath, and likely
other laws/statutes of Illinois. But it is for the board, after the appropriate steps, to determine
any disciplinary steps, and I will abide by those decisions as I swore in my oath.

Please let me know the next steps. Understanding that this is a complaint between board
members, I am uncertain who will be the Complaint Manager, though I have cc'd Cheryl
Moore, as it's as likely as anything to be her purview. It's possible HLERK will not serve as
investigator, but may refer an outside party to act  (as with the Manley/ incident in
2015).  

Something to note: I know the manager will seek to "informally" find a resolution prior to
following the UGP. I would offer that an IASB-mediated closed session of the board
utilizing the "self-assessment" exemption could provide the space to address the complaint
and discuss next steps, consequences, etc., before making the procedure and complaint
public knowledge. 

I am prepared to cooperate in any way. 

Regards,

Erik M. Held
D86 Board of Education Member

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 12:58 PM Erik Held <[email protected]> wrote:

President Walker & Superintendent Prentiss-

The attached is my summary of Board Member Jeff Waters' verbally abusive behavior and
physical intimidation towards me last night after the board meeting. The incident took
place in the drive/turnaround in front of Hinsdale South, and there were multiple
witnesses.

I will freely admit I don't know what - if anything - to do with this. It was shocking
behavior, especially in full view of the public. I'm still processing it and what it means.  

Were I just a community member, and all else was equal, hearing of this I'd have no doubt
there would be call for expulsion of Member Waters from some members of the
community, if not also the board.

As a board member, is the hurdle of what abuse I can take too high for this to matter? 

Either way, it's unacceptable behavior. Condoning bullying is not a part of D86 culture.
 Per my conversation with Pres. Walker, this should at least be referred to counsel for
review and advisement.

Please let me know next steps.

Regards,

Erik M Held
D86 Board Of Education Member

--
Tammy Prentiss Ed.S.
Hinsdale Township High School District 86
630-655-6110
[email protected]
From: Erik Held on behalf of Erik Held <[email protected]>
To: Tammy Prentiss
Subject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL: Incident
Date: Friday, October 29, 2021 10:01:34 PM

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021, 12:58 PM Erik Held <[email protected]> wrote:

President Walker & Superintendent Prentiss-

The attached is my summary of Board Member Jeff Waters' verbally abusive behavior and
physical intimidation towards me last night after the board meeting. The incident took place
in the drive/turnaround in front of Hinsdale South, and there were multiple witnesses.

I will freely admit I don't know what - if anything - to do with this. It was shocking
behavior, especially in full view of the public. I'm still processing it and what it means.  

Were I just a community member, and all else was equal, hearing of this I'd have no doubt
there would be call for expulsion of Member Waters from some members of the community,
if not also the board.

As a board member, is the hurdle of what abuse I can take too high for this to matter? 

Either way, it's unacceptable behavior. Condoning bullying is not a part of D86 culture.

Per my conversation with Pres. Walker, this should at least be referred to counsel for review
and advisement.

Please let me know next steps.

Regards,

Erik M Held
D86 Board Of Education Member
Jeff Waters Verbal Assault & Threatening Actions
Oct 28, 2021, Hinsdale South, approx 11:35/40?

While standing outside Hinsdale South’s main entrance, right on the curb, talking to
(and possibly Peggy James; she had drifted north of the entrance), Waters walked out of
the front door, angled towards me, came up right next to me and struck my left shoulder blade
with an open-hand slap. A threatening version of a friendly backslap. There was nothing friendly
in how it smarted, or how he spoke.

He then proceeded to profanely speak to me, as though he was a tough guy from a movie about
to lay someone out for crossing them. To the best of my recollection, this is the conversation
that followed as he slowly walked away from me across the top of the drive. I believe Deb K,
Tammy, Chris C and/or J, Keith B, and possibly Terri were present, plus a security guard whose
name I don’t have.

“Don’t you ever put words in my fucking mouth,” he growled.

“I didn’t,” I said.
“You fucking did!” he yelled. “Don’t put words in my fucking mouth again!”
“Roll the tape. You put them there.” I raised my voice as he was walking away.
“I fucking didn’t. Don’t you put fucking words in my mouth1! I never [favored?] Central over
South!” Very raised voice.
“You did! You preferenced the college board over what Hinsdale South had done-”
“I said both ways were good ways-”
“Roll [watch?] the tape, you did!”
>>I think this was where he started saying something to affect of “You never listen/don’t want to
hear. All you do is yammer yammer.” and he made a little two-finger-and-thumb talking gesture
with this hands. I reiterated my point about the board meeting video.
“Fucking run again in two years,” he shouted. “See how that goes!” He’d reached one of the
taller plinths in the middle area.
“What, are you threatening me?” I was incredulous at what I was hearing.
“Threatening? Just run again in two years and see what happens!”
“Take your threats and drive home!” I shouted as he crossed to the middle parking area.

The security guard kept approaching Waters as he was speaking. I was standing in the middle
of the drive by the end. The guard was maybe twenty-five feet away.

I went to my car, took a few breaths, and started it up. One thing I wanted said to him clearly
was that he wasn’t to lay hands on me again after his almost-strike. I was sure that, alone, he’d
have grabbed me or shoved me. He was furious for being called out or challenged at the board
table. I wanted to say it face to face, so there was no though that my being in the car was seen
as threatening, but I couldn’t see the security guard and did not trust Waters not to get physical
or in my face in the absence of authority.

1
He probably said that phrase a few different ways several more times. It was a go-to.
I backed up and pulled up a few yards from where he and were talking at his car.
“Don’t you ever touch me or lay hands on me again.”
“What? I didn’t touch you,” he said.
“Erik, Erik, he didn’t touch you,” said.
“He most certainly did. He came up to me and slapped me on the back,” I stated.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake, come on. Are you soft? Huh? You too soft for that?” he jeered at me.
“Don’t touch me again,” I clearly stated.
“You gonna call the cops? Go on and call the cops! Fucking…” He turned to his car and then
started on the “All you do is yammer and never listen, you just can’t hear anything that you don’t
like!” It was something to that effect. He also challenged me to run again in 2023 with the vague
threat to see how that worked out.
“Keep being such a great board member, Jeff.” I said, and drove away. He shouted something,
but it wasn’t clear. My window was up.

As I drove away, I saw the security guard had walked over as we talked and was approaching
the area near Waters’ car as I got to the stop sign at Clarendon Hills Rd.
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Declined: 10/28 Incident @ Mon Nov 1, 2021 3pm - 3:30pm (CDT) ([email protected])
Attachments: invite.ics

Jeff Waters has declined this invitation.

10/28 Incident
When
Mon Nov 1, 2021 3pm – 3:30pm Central Time - Chicago

Calendar
[email protected]

Who
•
[email protected] - organizer

•
[email protected]

•
[email protected]

──────────
Tammy Prentiss is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
Learn More. 
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: Accepted: 10/28 Incident @ Mon Nov 1, 2021 3:30pm - 4pm (CDT) ([email protected])
Attachments: invite.ics

Jeff Waters has accepted this invitation.

10/28 Incident
When
Mon Nov 1, 2021 3:30pm – 4pm Central Time - Chicago

Calendar
[email protected]

Who
•
[email protected] - organizer

•
[email protected]

•
[email protected]

──────────
Tammy Prentiss is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
Learn More. 
From: Jeff Waters on behalf of Jeff Waters <[email protected]>
To: Tamara Prentiss
Cc: Keith Bockwoldt; Tammy Prentiss; Terri Walker
Subject: Re: Video
Date: Monday, November 1, 2021 10:05:27 AM

Good a.m.-

As stated Friday, please provide a few time frames to come in to see the video you mentioned
that is in the control room.
It's now past 10 a.m., so today is no longer feasible. Please provide some late afternoon times
that work for the rest of the week.
Thanks everyone!

Jeff

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 7:19 PM Jeff Waters <[email protected]> wrote:

Tammy- 
That would be great. 
Please furnish some times that work for everyone and I’ll see you there once we nail down a
time.

Kind regards- 

Jeff 

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 7:02 PM Tamara Prentiss <[email protected]> wrote:

We would need to set up a time for you to come to the command center and review the
clip.
Tammy

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 29, 2021, at 6:57 PM, Jeff Waters <[email protected]> wrote:

Tammy - 

I’m unsure what exactly you’re trying to convey.  I greatly appreciate your
informing me that the Director of Security maintains the video. Thanks.

Please, as requested prior, furnish said video by 10 a.m. on November 1st in

advance of our 3:30 zoom.

Thanks for your accommodating!

Have a great weekend!

Jeff 

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 6:24 PM Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]>

wrote:
I do not have a clip of the video.  It is maintained by the Director of
Security.
Tammy

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 6:20 PM Jeff Waters <[email protected]>

wrote:
Tammy- 

You had  maintained  on our phone call that there is video surveillance of
my walking out the door at Hinsdale South….
I will need you to present a video to me before 10 AM or I will be unable
to connect at 3:30.
Once that video is in my possession for viewing we can set up an
appointment and hopefully that will be Monday at 3:30 to the extent that
is provided by 10 a.m. Monday morning.
I am copying Keith Bockwoldt, District 86 CIO, who may be able to help
us access that video.

Thanks-

Enjoy your weekend!

Jeff 

--
Tammy Prentiss Ed.S.
Hinsdale Township High School District 86
630-655-6110
[email protected]
From: Jeff Waters on behalf of Jeff Waters <[email protected]>
To: Tammy Prentiss
Cc: Keith Bockwoldt; Tammy Prentiss; Terri Walker
Subject: Re: Video
Date: Friday, October 29, 2021 6:48:15 PM

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 6:24 PM Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]> wrote:

I do not have a clip of the video.  It is maintained by the Director of Security.
Tammy

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 6:20 PM Jeff Waters <[email protected]> wrote:

Tammy- 

You had  maintained  on our phone call that there is video surveillance of my walking out
the door at Hinsdale South….
I will need you to present a video to me before 10 AM or I will be unable to connect at
3:30.
Once that video is in my possession for viewing we can set up an appointment and
hopefully that will be Monday at 3:30 to the extent that is provided by 10 a.m. Monday
morning.
I am copying Keith Bockwoldt, District 86 CIO, who may be able to help us access that
video.

Thanks-

Enjoy your weekend!

Jeff 

--
Tammy Prentiss Ed.S.
Hinsdale Township High School District 86
630-655-6110
[email protected]
From: Tammy Prentiss on behalf of Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]>
To: Jeff Waters
Cc: Tammy Prentiss; Terri Walker; Cheryl Moore
Subject: Re: Video
Date: Monday, November 1, 2021 1:12:54 PM

I connected with the Director of Security, Kevin Simpson.  Jeff you can select from these time
blocks (7:30-3:30pm):
Tuesday after 10am
Wednesday after 12:30pm
Thursday after 10am
Friday 7:30-10:30am

You would come to the admin office and Cheryl would walk to the command center at Central
to view.
Let me know if any of these times work for you.
Tammy

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 6:20 PM Jeff Waters <[email protected]> wrote:

Tammy- 

You had  maintained  on our phone call that there is video surveillance of my walking out
the door at Hinsdale South….
I will need you to present a video to me before 10 AM or I will be unable to connect at 3:30.
Once that video is in my possession for viewing we can set up an appointment and hopefully
that will be Monday at 3:30 to the extent that is provided by 10 a.m. Monday morning.
I am copying Keith Bockwoldt, District 86 CIO, who may be able to help us access that
video.

Thanks-

Enjoy your weekend!

Jeff 

--
Tammy Prentiss Ed.S.
Hinsdale Township High School District 86
630-655-6110
[email protected]
From: Jeff Waters on behalf of Jeff Waters <[email protected]>
To: Tammy Prentiss; Tammy Prentiss
Subject: How’s 3:30 today ?
Date: Tuesday, November 2, 2021 11:31:52 AM

Hi Tammy- 
To come to South to see video or is it at central.
Please let me know ASAP so I can accommodate my desk before leaving. 

Thx

Jeff 
11/9/21, 7:39 AM Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Mail - Re: Video viewing

Cheryl Moore <[email protected]>

Re: Video viewing

1 message

Cheryl Moore <[email protected]> Wed, Nov 3, 2021 at 6:00 AM

To: Erik Held <[email protected]>

No problem Erik, have a great day.

Cheryl 

On Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 10:44 PM Erik Held <[email protected]> wrote:

Cheryl-  Thank you, again, for taking time to accompany me today in my little errand...and your trip down memory lane! 

Kevin-  Thank you, again, for going thru the video - more than a few times and at multiple angles - and being clear in
your explanations of both the video content and the district's technology. I'm also very impressed with the efficiency and
efficacy of our command center.

Best,

Erik M Held
D86 Board Of Education Member

On Tue, Nov 2, 2021, 7:11 AM Kevin Simpson <[email protected]> wrote:

Sounds good - I'll see everyone then. 

Kevin

Kevin Simpson
Director of Security
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8464

On Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 8:18 PM Tamara Prentiss <[email protected]> wrote:

Member Held will be at admin on Tuesday around 10 and walk over with Cheryl to the command center to view the
video.

Tammy

Sent from my iPhone

--

Cheryl Moore
Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8008

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/? k=bb23c3f1b0&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1715277304033842428%7Cmsg-a%3Ar-780025631265… 1/1

From: Cheryl Moore on behalf of Cheryl Moore <[email protected]>
To: Erik Held
Subject: Re: Video viewing
Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 5:16:27 AM

Erik, you are welcome. 

Cheryl 

On Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 10:44 PM Erik Held <[email protected]> wrote:

Cheryl-  Thank you, again, for taking time to accompany me today in my little errand...and
your trip down memory lane! 

Kevin-  Thank you, again, for going thru the video - more than a few times and at multiple
angles - and being clear in your explanations of both the video content and the district's
technology. I'm also very impressed with the efficiency and efficacy of our command center.

Best,

Erik M Held
D86 Board Of Education Member

On Tue, Nov 2, 2021, 7:11 AM Kevin Simpson <[email protected]> wrote:

Sounds good - I'll see everyone then. 
Kevin
Kevin Simpson
Director of Security
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8464

On Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 8:18 PM Tamara Prentiss <[email protected]> wrote:

Member Held will be at admin on Tuesday around 10 and walk over with Cheryl to the
command center to view the video.
Tammy

Sent from my iPhone

 11/9/21, 7:38 AM Hinsdale Township High School District 86 Mail - Re: Video

Cheryl Moore <[email protected]>

Re: Video

 
1 message

Cheryl Moore <[email protected]> Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 9:47 AM

To: Terri Walker <[email protected]>

See you then

On Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 9:47 AM Terri Walker <[email protected]> wrote:

Cheryl

Thanks I’ll stop by at 11:45 today

Thank you

Terri

On Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 9:33 AM Cheryl Moore <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Terri - 

If you are available today from now until 2:00 anytime - that is best for Kevin and I. 
Tomorrow we can figure out a morning time as well.
Or we can look at next week

Cheryl
- (Cell) if needed

On Thu, Nov 4, 2021 at 9:27 AM Terri Walker <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Cheryl,

I hope your day is going well.  I wanted to schedule time to view the video from the 10/28 meeting.

Can you let me know what time is good for me to stop by?

Thank you,

Terri Walker

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/? k=bb23c3f1b0&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1715508112730904418%7Cmsg-a%3Ar858309828663… 1/1

From: Erik Held on behalf of Erik Held <[email protected]>
To: Tammy Prentiss
Cc: Terri Walker
Subject: Re: Video viewing
Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2021 7:53:59 AM

Tammy-

Thank you for the forwarding that initial report and its clarification over. 

It's disappointing that a security guard -a district employee - was asked to lie by omission by a
sitting Board Member. 

At the same time, we have an example of how TO act. Please extend my thanks and
appreciation to Chris Cesak for his fidelity to the job and the district's core beliefs.

Regards,

Erik M Held
D86 Board Of Education Member

On Wed, Nov 3, 2021, 6:12 AM Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]> wrote:

Erik,
I have attached the records you requested.
Thank you,
Tammy

On Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 8:01 AM Erik Held <[email protected]> wrote:

Tammy-

Aside from the security footage, I'd like a copy of any other report(s)/records that were
made involving the incident that night by district employees and, if created and possible,
the one community member present (that might be a FOIA). I know there were multiple
district employees present, including a security guard.

I'm in the process of gathering info as I assess next steps. 

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Erik M Held
D86 Board Of Education Member

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Kevin Simpson <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, Nov 2, 2021, 7:11 AM
Subject: Re: Video viewing
 To: Tamara Prentiss <[email protected]>
Cc: Cheryl Moore <[email protected]>, Erik Held <[email protected]>

Sounds good - I'll see everyone then. 

Kevin
Kevin Simpson
Director of Security
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8464

On Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 8:18 PM Tamara Prentiss <[email protected]> wrote:

Member Held will be at admin on Tuesday around 10 and walk over with Cheryl to the
command center to view the video.
Tammy

Sent from my iPhone

--
Tammy Prentiss Ed.S.
Hinsdale Township High School District 86
630-655-6110
[email protected]
 Oct 29, 2021, 7:26 AM (5
days ago)
Kevin Simpson

to me, Joshua

Good morning,

Please see the email from Chris regarding the reported altercation from last night. I just wanted
to make sure this was passed along. We are going to bookmark the video on the camera
system just in case there is a need somewhere down the road.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Kevin

Kevin Simpson
Director of Security
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8464

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Christopher Cesak <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 12:13 AM
Subject: Verbal altercation outside the Main entrance.
To: Kevin Simpson <[email protected]>, Kurt Bluder <[email protected]>

Guys about 2345 hours tonight as the board meeting was breaking up and the attendees were
exiting 2 members of the board got into a heated verbal exchange in front of the entrance on the
outside one accused the other of pushing him I followed them to thier vehicles where they
started another heated verbal exchange . I waited until one of them finally left in his vehicle I
spoke to the other member and made sure he was ok he indicated he was. I believe his name
was Eric and the other guys name was Jeff. Earlier in the meeting about 2300 hours they got
into an argument during the meeting. Eric asked me not to mention this to anyone I told him
multiple people witnessed the argument and I would be verbally reporting it to my superiors. If
you need to get a hold of me in the morning just just text me.

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Christopher Cesak <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 1:52 PM
Subject: Re: Verbal altercation outside the Main entrance.
To: Kevin Simpson <[email protected]>

Yes that is accurate

On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 1:51 PM Kevin Simpson <[email protected]> wrote:

Chris,
Per our discussion and after reviewing your email I need to clarify one fact of your narrative.
You mention below that "Eric" asked you not to mention this incident to anyone. Understanding
that you are relatively new, having only started in your position two weeks ago, I showed you a
picture of both board members Held and Waters to clarify the identity of who made this
comment. After doing so, you confirmed that Jeff Waters was the board member who made
this request.
Can you please reply that this information is accurate and amends your initial email?
Thank you in advance,
From: Tamara Prentiss on behalf of Tamara Prentiss <[email protected]>
To: Cheryl Moore
Subject: Fwd: Video viewing
Date: Thursday, November 4, 2021 9:37:22 AM

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Erik Held <[email protected]>

Date: November 3, 2021 at 8:54:11 AM EDT
To: Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]>
Cc: Terri Walker <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Video viewing

Tammy-

Thank you for the forwarding that initial report and its clarification over. 

It's disappointing that a security guard -a district employee - was asked to lie by
omission by a sitting Board Member. 

At the same time, we have an example of how TO act. Please extend my thanks
and appreciation to Chris Cesak for his fidelity to the job and the district's core
beliefs.

Regards,

Erik M Held
D86 Board Of Education Member

On Wed, Nov 3, 2021, 6:12 AM Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]>

wrote:
Erik,
I have attached the records you requested.
Thank you,
Tammy

On Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 8:01 AM Erik Held <[email protected]> wrote:

Tammy-

Aside from the security footage, I'd like a copy of any other report(s)/records
that were made involving the incident that night by district employees and, if
created and possible, the one community member present (that might be a
FOIA). I know there were multiple district employees present, including a
security guard.
 I'm in the process of gathering info as I assess next steps. 

Thanks in advance.

Regards,

Erik M Held
D86 Board Of Education Member

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Kevin Simpson <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, Nov 2, 2021, 7:11 AM
Subject: Re: Video viewing
To: Tamara Prentiss <[email protected]>
Cc: Cheryl Moore <[email protected]>, Erik Held
<[email protected]>

Sounds good - I'll see everyone then. 

Kevin
Kevin Simpson
Director of Security
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8464

On Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 8:18 PM Tamara Prentiss

<[email protected]> wrote:
Member Held will be at admin on Tuesday around 10 and walk over with
Cheryl to the command center to view the video.
Tammy

Sent from my iPhone

--
Tammy Prentiss Ed.S.
Hinsdale Township High School District 86
630-655-6110
[email protected]
 Kevin Simpson <[email protected]>

Fwd: Verbal altercation outside the Main entrance.

1 message

Kevin Simpson <[email protected]> Tue, Nov 2, 2021 at 6:50 AM

To: Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]>, Josh Stephenson <[email protected]>

Tammy and Josh,

After reviewing the video from this incident there was a need to clarify who Chris (the security officer on duty) was
speaking with relative to one of the statements noted in his original email. As you know, Chris has only been
employed by the district for two weeks so please see below for the clarification.
Kevin

Kevin Simpson
Director of Security
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8464

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Christopher Cesak <[email protected]>

Date: Mon, Nov 1, 2021 at 1:52 PM

Subject: Re: Verbal altercation outside the Main entrance.

To: Kevin Simpson <[email protected]>

Yes that is accurate 

On Mon, Nov 1, 2021, 1:51 PM Kevin Simpson <[email protected]> wrote:

Chris,
Per our discussion and after reviewing your email I need to clarify one fact of your narrative. You mention below
that "Eric" asked you not to mention this incident to anyone. Understanding that you are relatively new, having
only started in your position two weeks ago, I showed you a picture of both board members Held and Waters to
clarify the identity of who made this comment. After doing so, you confirmed that Jeff Waters was the board
member who made this request.
Can you please reply that this information is accurate and amends your initial email?
Thank you in advance,
Kevin

Kevin Simpson
Director of Security
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8464

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 12:13 AM Christopher Cesak <[email protected]> wrote:

Guys about 2345 hours tonight as the board meeting was breaking up and the attendees were exiting 2
members of the board got into a heated verbal exchange in front of the entrance on the outside one accused
the other of pushing him I followed them to thier vehicles where they started another heated verbal exchange .
I waited until one of them finally left in his vehicle I spoke to the other member and made sure he was ok he
indicated he was. I believe his name was Eric and the other guys name was Jeff. Earlier in the meeting about
2300 hours they got into an argument during the meeting. Eric asked me not to mention this to anyone I told
him multiple people witnessed the argument and I would be verbally reporting it to my superiors. If you need to
get a hold of me in the morning just just text me.
 Kevin Simpson <[email protected]>

Re: Verbal altercation outside the Main entrance.

1 message

Kevin Simpson <[email protected]> Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 6:35 AM

To: Christopher Cesak <[email protected]>
Cc: Kurt Bluder <[email protected]>

Chris - thanks for the quick email and for staying late. Definitely something we appreciate you keeping us in the
loop on. I'll let you know if I need anything more. 

Kurt - can you check the video and bookmark anything of note? Knowing the history here there may be a need
down the road to look at it in an official capacity. 
Thanks,
Kevin

Kevin Simpson
Director of Security
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8464

On Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 12:13 AM Christopher Cesak <[email protected]> wrote:

Guys about 2345 hours tonight as the board meeting was breaking up and the attendees were exiting 2
members of the board got into a heated verbal exchange in front of the entrance on the outside one accused the
other of pushing him I followed them to thier vehicles where they started another heated verbal exchange . I
waited until one of them finally left in his vehicle I spoke to the other member and made sure he was ok he
indicated he was. I believe his name was Eric and the other guys name was Jeff. Earlier in the meeting about
2300 hours they got into an argument during the meeting. Eric asked me not to mention this to anyone I told him
multiple people witnessed the argument and I would be verbally reporting it to my superiors. If you need to get a
hold of me in the morning just just text me.
 Kevin Simpson <[email protected]>

Fwd: Verbal altercation outside the Main entrance.

1 message

Kevin Simpson <[email protected]> Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 7:25 AM

To: Tammy Prentiss <[email protected]>, Joshua Stephenson <[email protected]>

Good morning,
Please see the email from Chris regarding the reported altercation from last night. I just wanted to make sure this
was passed along. We are going to bookmark the video on the camera system just in case there is a need
somewhere down the road. 
Let me know if you have any questions.
Kevin

Kevin Simpson
Director of Security
Hinsdale High School District 86
630-570-8464

---------- Forwarded message ---------

From: Christopher Cesak <[email protected]>

Date: Fri, Oct 29, 2021 at 12:13 AM

Subject: Verbal altercation outside the Main entrance.

To: Kevin Simpson <[email protected]>, Kurt Bluder <[email protected]>

Guys about 2345 hours tonight as the board meeting was breaking up and the attendees were exiting 2 members
of the board got into a heated verbal exchange in front of the entrance on the outside one accused the other of
pushing him I followed them to thier vehicles where they started another heated verbal exchange . I waited until
one of them finally left in his vehicle I spoke to the other member and made sure he was ok he indicated he was. I
believe his name was Eric and the other guys name was Jeff. Earlier in the meeting about 2300 hours they got into
an argument during the meeting. Eric asked me not to mention this to anyone I told him multiple people witnessed
the argument and I would be verbally reporting it to my superiors. If you need to get a hold of me in the morning just
just text me.