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.

The Feb. 10 Board of Education meeting included several important updates and discussions. In this issue, you’ll find:

A safety preparedness update related to immigration enforcement, including a review of District 97’s established emergency protocols and the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), and how the district works to ensure schools remain safe, stable, and welcoming environments for all students and families.
A superintendent search update, with an overview of the interview process, community engagement efforts, and the Board’s next steps as it moves closer to making a formal announcement.
A middle school redesign update, highlighting progress to date, areas for refinement, and ongoing efforts to strengthen connection, access, and opportunity for all middle school students.

As always, full meeting materials—including presentations, packets, and recordings—are available on our board platform, Diligent.

At the Feb. 10 board of education meeting, Co-Interim Superintendent Patrick Robinson and Chief Safety Officer Felicia Starks Turner provided an overview of District 97’s established safety protocols, including how schools respond to concerns related to immigration enforcement.

The update acknowledged that recent national events have prompted questions from families about district preparedness. District leaders reaffirmed that ensuring schools remain safe, stable, and welcoming environments for all students, staff, and families remains the district’s highest priority.

Safety Procedures and Standard Response Protocol in Action

District 97 maintains comprehensive emergency response and school safety protocols that are regularly reviewed and practiced by administrators and staff.

A key component of the district’s safety framework is the Standard Response Protocol (SRP)—a nationally recognized model used to respond quickly and consistently to a wide range of situations. The SRP allows staff to act immediately if there is a potentially concerning situation on or near school property, including the presence of federal agents in the community. Alerts are delivered through the district’s Raptor system to ensure staff receive timely notifications and can implement coordinated responses, such as initiating a “Secure” protocol to bring everyone inside and secure exterior doors.

District 97 also has established procedures for managing visitors, including law enforcement. All visitors must report to the main office, consistent with district policy.

In addition, a designated point person and district-level safety team is available to support schools quickly, including providing on-site assistance when needed.

Important Information for Staff and Families

The district also shared important reminders related to immigration enforcement:

District 97 does not ask for or collect immigration status at enrollment, and immigration status does not affect a student’s right to attend school.
The district does not share student records or immigration status with immigration officials unless required by a valid court order.
Immigration enforcement personnel must present a criminal warrant signed by a judge to enter school buildings or other district facilities.

Additional information related to school safety and preparedness is available on the district website, and an updated FAQ addressing community questions will be posted soon.

We recognize that families may have individual questions or concerns, and we encourage anyone in need of support to connect directly with their school or the district office. We are committed to partnering with families to ensure every student feels safe and supported at school.

To view the full presentation, click the following link: Recording

At the Feb. 10 meeting, Board President Cheree Moore provided a brief update on the search for the next superintendent of District 97.

Following the Jan. 29 virtual town hall, superintendent finalists participated in an additional round of in-person interviews with the District 97 Board of Education, as well as a small community panel composed of administrators, teachers, and parents.

The Board hopes to make an announcement soon. Moore noted the strength and quality of the candidates who have participated in the process and shared that the board remains encouraged by the leadership demonstrated throughout.

The search has included multiple opportunities for community voice and engagement, including a district-wide survey, numerous focus groups, the virtual town hall, and finalist interviews. The board is grateful to the many staff members, families, students, and community partners who have taken time to share their perspectives and priorities. Your input has helped shape the profile and direction of this search.

We look forward to sharing an update with the community soon and celebrating this important milestone together.

Transformation Goal 2: We Design for ALL

District and school leaders presented an update Tuesday night on the district’s ongoing efforts to redesign the middle school experience.

The redesign is grounded in the district’s Transformation Goals and guided by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), District 97’s equity policy, and Illinois State Board of Education standards. The work is centered on creating middle schools that are responsive, challenging, empowering, equitable and engaging learning environments.

Schedule Redesign: What We’re Seeing So Far

District leaders shared early indicators of progress under the redesigned schedule, while noting that refinement and feedback continue to guide adjustments. Highlights include:

Daily instruction in core subject areas and a year-long elective.
Dedicated social time with daily access to outdoor field space at both schools.
WIN (What I Need) tiered supports providing additional help in math, reading and executive functioning.
Alignment between Brooks and Julian to ensure consistent student experiences and cross-school collaboration.

Leaders also noted positive progress in Panorama student perception data related to school safety, belonging, teacher-student relationships and overall school climate.

Re-Defining Advisory to Strengthen Belonging

Another key priority for the middle schools is re-evaluating and clearly defining the purpose of Advisory to increase student connection and belonging.

The team shared that students, staff and families were surveyed in January to inform this work. Feedback indicated strong agreement that schools should play a central role in supporting students’ social-emotional development. The advisory framework is guided by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) “5 Whys,” which emphasize building relationships, ensuring each student has a trusted adult, advising on academic and social needs, teaching relational skills, and strengthening digital citizenship.

Expanding Career Exploration for All Students

The team also shared progress on creating a cohesive, districtwide career exploration experience.

Career Day will be held April 22 at Julian and April 23 at Brooks, with structured grade-level rotations to ensure equitable access to presenters and career pathways.

District 97 is still seeking community members and professionals willing to serve as Career Day presenters. Volunteers play a critical role in helping students connect their interests to real-world pathways and envision future possibilities. Community members can learn more and sign up on the district website.

The long-term goal of this work is to build a comprehensive three-year college and career readiness scope and sequence for grades 6–8, ensuring all middle school students have meaningful opportunities to explore their strengths, interests and aspirations.

Supporting Smooth Transitions: Middle School Connection 2026

Finally, leaders shared plans for Middle School Connection, a three-day experience designed to support rising sixth graders as they transition from elementary school. The tentative dates for the program are Aug. 18–20, 2026, pending board approval.

To view the full presentation, click the following links: Recording | Slides

The Board reviewed an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that formalizes District 97’s partnership with Oak Park Township to continue and potentially expand the On the Rise student empowerment program.

On the Rise is a social-emotional learning and leadership program serving students in grades 4–8 and currently operates in two middle schools and four elementary schools. The agreement establishes a structured process for expanding the program to additional schools, grade levels, or student groups. Any approved expansion would cost $6,000 per additional session, covering staffing, training, materials, and administration.

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The IGA also requires an annual review to monitor participation, outcomes, and overall program effectiveness. The program directly supports the Holistically Well dimension of the Portrait of an Oak Park Eighth Grade Graduate by strengthening identity, belonging, emotional wellness, and leadership skills.

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The agreement is scheduled for board action on Feb. 24.

Next Board Meeting

The District 97 Board of Education will hold its next regularly scheduled Board Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

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

Have a question about District 97 Board Meetings or Board Highlights?

Please reach out using Let's Talk: www.op97.org/letstalk!

Board Highlights

Business Meeting: Feb. 10, 2026

Safety Procedures and Standard Response Protocol in Action

Important Information for Staff and Families

Schedule Redesign: What We’re Seeing So Far

Re-Defining Advisory to Strengthen Belonging

Expanding Career Exploration for All Students

Supporting Smooth Transitions: Middle School Connection 2026

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Business Meeting: Feb. 10, 2026 Business Meeting: Feb. 10, 2026

Update on School Safety and Immigration-Related Protocols Update on School Safety and Immigration-Related Protocols

Safety Procedures and Standard Response Protocol in Action

Important Information for Staff and Families

Superintendent Search: Final Interviews and What’s Next Superintendent Search: Final Interviews and What’s Next

Middle School Redesign Update: Progress, Reflection and Next Steps Middle School Redesign Update: Progress, Reflection and Next Steps

Schedule Redesign: What We’re Seeing So Far

Re-Defining Advisory to Strengthen Belonging

Expanding Career Exploration for All Students

Supporting Smooth Transitions: Middle School Connection 2026

Board Hears Proposal to Formalize and Expand 'On the Rise' Program Board Hears Proposal to Formalize and Expand 'On the Rise' Program

Looking Ahead Looking Ahead

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