Board Highlights

At its Feb. 24 meeting, the District 97 Board of Education approved the appointment of Dr. Terri Bresnahan as the district’s next superintendent of schools.

The Board’s decision followed a community-informed search process that included surveys, focus groups and engagement opportunities with students, families, staff and community members. Dr. Bresnahan brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, including 11 years serving as a superintendent, and was selected for her strong focus on student outcomes, relationship-building and collaborative leadership.

Read the full announcement here: District 97 Board Appoints Dr. Terri Bresnahan as Next Superintendent

During public comment, the Board heard thoughtful input from community members regarding immigration enforcement concerns and school preparedness. We are grateful for the care, empathy, and deep commitment to student safety that community members continue to bring to these conversations. Our shared goal remains ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and able to fully engage in learning.

District leadership and the board of education are aligned in the importance of strong, well-established safety practices. Throughout this school year, our team has been actively reviewing and strengthening protocols designed to guide our response to a wide range of situations and support safe school environments for all students. An overview of this work was shared at the Board’s Feb. 10 meeting and is available in the previous Board Highlights.

Earlier this month, the district also developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) resource to help address community questions and provide additional clarity around safety protocols and district practices. That resource can be found here: School Safety and Preparedness - Frequently Asked Questions

We appreciate the questions and perspectives shared during public comment and view them as part of an ongoing partnership with our community. District staff are currently working through the topics raised and will return to the Board in March for continued discussion and an update, including ways we can further strengthen communication and collaboration moving forward.

On Tuesday night, the board heard a presentation on District 97’s annual strategic staffing plan, which outlines how staffing decisions are developed each year based on enrollment projections, student programming needs and district priorities.

The staffing plan serves as the framework used to determine how instructional, administrative and support staff are allocated across schools so each site has the personnel needed to support students and design its educational program.

As part of this year’s staffing analysis, district leaders shared that several factors are influencing staffing needs for the 2026–27 school year, including:

• Projected deficit spending beginning in fiscal year 2029 if adjustments are not made;

• Programmatic shifts, including the transition away from the International Baccalaureate program in the middle schools;

• Middle school schedule redesign; and

• Changes in student elective selections and enrollment patterns.

Based on these factors, the administration is currently developing and reviewing multiple staffing scenarios to ensure resources are aligned with student needs and the district’s long-term financial outlook.

As part of this process, district leaders noted they are exploring whether a Reduction in Force (RIF) process may be necessary for the 2026–27 school year. A RIF has not occurred in District 97 in more than 10 years, though it is a standard process used in public school districts when staffing levels must be adjusted.

Leaders emphasized that no final decisions have been made. Proposed adjustments are focused on aligning staffing efficiently and responsibly, and current projections do not anticipate increases to core class sizes, which remain below contractual limits.

The district is continuing to refine staffing plans in collaboration with school leaders. Upcoming steps include:

• Finalizing staffing recommendations;

• Reviewing potential RIF procedures with union leadership and staff;

• Presenting a final staffing proposal to the board later this spring.

District leaders noted that beginning this conversation early allows time for thoughtful planning and transparency while working to maintain strong educational programming and long-term financial stability.

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

During the Feb. 24 meeting, Director of Student Wellness Michele Capio shared an update on District 97’s student wellness efforts, aligned with the Holistically Well dimension of the Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate. The presentation highlighted how the district is strengthening systems to support students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being.

Updates included continued implementation of Responsive Classroom practices to foster positive learning environments, ongoing social-emotional learning (SEL) programming across grade levels, and the Respect Campaign, which uses school climate data to promote belonging and strong relationships in schools.

The Board also received an overview of upcoming universal mental health screening requirements under Illinois law. District 97 has selected the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener (SAEBRS) tool and will follow a phased rollout leading to full implementation by the 2027-28 school year.