Superintendent's Office
Welcome to Hinsdale Township High School District 86. Together, we partner with the communities of Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Darien, Hinsdale, Oak Brook, Westmont, and Willowbrook to draw students into two award-winning high schools: Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South. Both high schools are renowned for academic excellence, vibrant school cultures, and co- and extra-curricular opportunities that are second to none. District 86 is also home to an amazing Transition Center program for students with disabilities, ages 18-22. In 2026-27, we will continue our work to ensure that students feel known and supported, that educators are empowered to inspire learning, and that families and community members work together to create opportunities for every student to succeed. This fall, we also look forward to updating our Strategic Plan while embracing the traditions unique to the D86 community and enhancing and developing new opportunities for students.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jack "Chip" Pettit
Superintendent
About Dr. Pettit
Dr. Pettit brings more than two decades of educational leadership experience to Hinsdale Township High School District 86.
Prior to joining District 86, Dr. Pettit served as superintendent of Duneland School Corporation in Indiana, a district serving more than 5,800 students. Under his leadership, Duneland achieved some of the highest student performance results in the state, completed significant capital improvement projects, and engaged stakeholders in multiple strategic planning processes. In recognition of his leadership, Dr. Pettit was named the 2026 District 1 Superintendent of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Superintendents.
Before becoming superintendent, Dr. Pettit served as principal of Crown Point High School, which was recognized as Indiana's top-ranked high school during his tenure. He was honored as the 2019 District 1 Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pettit has served students and schools in a variety of roles, including teacher, varsity head football coach, dean of students, director of student services, principal, and superintendent. He is passionate about creating opportunities that prepare students for success after high school and has led initiatives in Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual-credit programming, career and technical education, special education, and community-based internships. He has also taught graduate-level courses in educational leadership at Purdue University.
Dr. Pettit earned his bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University, a master's degree from Indiana University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Ball State University.
A relationship-centered leader, Dr. Pettit believes that collaboration, trust, and shared purpose are essential to helping all students reach their potential. As superintendent, he is committed to building on District 86's tradition of excellence while working alongside students, families, staff, and community members to shape the district's future.
Dr. Pettit and his wife, Karin, have been married for 27 years and are the proud parents of two children, Will and Avery.
Superintendent Goals
- Establish a league of comparable districts to establish baselines and targets for staffing, salaries, benefits, and educational programs, and a league of comparable schools to establish baselines and targets for Central and South.
- Analyze student performance and establish benchmarks for the future: league schools, state report card, national standards/recognition.
- Lead collaborative process to update district Strategic Plan.
- Build relationships within the local business community to develop opportunities for students through internships and work-based learning experiences.
