Board Highlights

This newsletter features highlights from District 97 Board of Education meetings.

Click here to access full meeting agendas and packets. Recordings of our meetings are also available on our YouTube page. For more about our board, visit www.op97.org/boe.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Board Highlights! In this update, we’re sharing key information from the latest board meeting, including:

• Approval of the Oak Park Teachers' Association (OPTA) contract;
• Updates on the new middle school schedule; and
• A timeline for the spring curriculum review process.
  
  

These updates reflect our ongoing efforts to enhance learning experiences for all students in District 97. Thank you for staying engaged with our work!

At its regular meeting on March 18, 2025, the District 97 Board of Education approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the Oak Park Teachers’ Association (OPTA). The contract, which was ratified by OPTA members on March 4, will remain in effect through the 2027-28 school year.

The new agreement reflects the shared commitment of both parties to attract and retain exceptional educators, foster innovation, and support the success of all District 97 students. The process was guided by a collaborative approach that thoughtfully balanced the needs of staff, students, and the community, while reaffirming our dedication to equity.

An overview of the contract highlights is provided below. Click here to read full details and a joint statement from the District 97 Board of Education, district administration, and the OPTA. >>

• Clear and Competitive Salary Structure: Responding to staff feedback, the new contract eliminates salary bands and introduces a clear and competitive salary structure designed to attract and retain top-tier educators.
  
  
• Game Changer Teacher Stipends to National Board Certification: We believe that unleashing the expertise of teachers will be a key factor in achieving our equity policy. One of the ways to make that happen is to leverage the district’s significant financial investment in annual above-salary stipends to employees who hold a National Board Certified/equivalent certification. Since 2014, District 97 has offered one of the highest recognition stipends in the state, with National Board Certified teachers earning additional stipends of $10,000 per year. In SY24, this investment totaled over $1 million.
  
  The annual stipend will now be divided into two components: 1) 50% for recognition, and 2) 50% for successful completion of a project which makes an annual contribution to district goals. The expectation for an annual contribution to earn the stipend has been part of the agreement language since 2014, but the district has not had a system in place for documenting contributions. The district is excited to work in collaboration with OPTA to show how investing in Game Changer Teachers can advance equity and contribute to universal student success in public schools.
  
  
• Additional Compensation for Extracurricular Leadership: Educators who coach sports and lead extracurricular teams will receive increased compensation, recognizing their critical role in students’ holistic development.
  
  
• Enhanced Retirement Benefits: Eligible retirees with 25 or more years in District 97 will receive benefits competitive with peer districts, reflecting the district’s commitment to honoring long-term service.
  
  
• Family-Teacher Conferences: Formalizing changes implemented for the 2024-25 school year, the contract restructures family-teacher conferences to offer both in-person and virtual options. In the fall, conferences will be held in person unless families request a virtual option, while in the winter, conferences will be virtual unless families prefer to meet in person. Additionally, there will be a full day of student attendance on Thursday of conference week, with no school on Friday.

District Transformation Goal 2: We Design for All

Subgoal 2B: Middle School Redesign

District Transformation Goal 2: We Design for All

District 97 is committed to ensuring our students have access to high-quality, engaging, and equitable learning opportunities. As part of this commitment, we are actively reviewing and piloting curricular resources for K-8 English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Social Science. These efforts, guided by input from educators and families, will support the selection and implementation of resources that align with our district’s goals for academic excellence and inclusivity.

The image below outlines our timeline for curriculum review over the next few months.

Master Facilities Plan Update

The Board received an update on the ongoing Master Facilities Plan, which outlines key initiatives to improve infrastructure and support student learning. Click here to view the presentation. >>

Summer Programming and Staffing Approvals

The Board voted to approve summer programming for BRAVO and CAST, ensuring continued access to performing arts opportunities for students. Additionally, funding was approved for additional staffing to support the Access to Algebra program this summer, providing targeted enrichment opportunities.

Did You Know?

Our policy review process is designed to ensure alignment with best practices and legal requirements. Policies are updated either periodically via Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) recommendations or as needed based on district priorities. Check out the infographic below for a step-by-step look at how we update policies.

Next Board Meeting

The District 97 Board of Education will hold its next regularly scheduled board meeting Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

Meeting agendas, recordings and materials can be found on our new Diligent platform: https://op97.diligent.community/Portal/