Board Highlights
Business Meeting: Aug. 13, 2024
Last month, District 97 welcomed Dr. Crystal LeRoy as its new Chief Financial Officer. In this role, Dr. LeRoy will lead the Business Office, with a focused charge to strengthen financial systems and operations, build grant management systems, drive efficiency, and align resources to support district priorities.
With more than 30 years of experience in financial and operational leadership across both public and private education, Dr. LeRoy has managed complex budgets, led multimillion-dollar construction projects, and championed initiatives to advance equity and inclusion. She comes to District 97 from Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento, California, where she served as President and CEO for five years. Her previous roles include Superintendent and Chief School Business Official (CSBO) in Kenilworth Public Schools and similar CSBO positions in several Illinois districts. Dr. LeRoy holds both a doctorate in administration and a master’s degree in cultural and education policy studies from Loyola University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Northwestern University.
At its August 12 meeting, the Board of Education heard an update on how District 97 is bringing the Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate to life through community learning and entrepreneurialism.
This summer, more than 900 students joined eight Portrait-aligned programs led by over 50 teachers, exploring new interests, building real-world skills, and connecting with community partners. Through partnerships with organizations like Triton College, Oak Park Education Foundation, Park District of Oak Park, Oak Park Public Library, Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, Friday Night Place, and YEMBA, students explored careers, discovered passions, and practiced important life skills like self-advocacy, teamwork, and critical thinking.
We also saw students shine in clubs, sports, and music programs across the district. While participation reflects our overall student population, we are committed to expanding access so that every student can take part in the activities that inspire them.
Looking ahead, the district is preparing to create new Portrait “signature experiences” for students and launch a Youth Advisory Council to ensure student voices continue to guide this work. Together with our community, we’re showing that in District 97, students can learn everywhere.
To view the full update, click the following links: Recording | Slides
At a special board meeting on Aug. 18, the District 97 Board of Education took important steps to ensure continuity and stable leadership for the school year ahead:
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The Board accepted Dr. Ushma Shah’s resignation as superintendent, effective Aug. 15, 2025.
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To guide the district through this transitional period, the board appointed Dr. Griff Powell and Dr. Patricia Wernet as co-interim superintendents, beginning Sept. 15. Both bring experience and familiarity with our community, having previously served in this role during the 2021–22 school year.
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In the interim, Patrick Robinson, the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools, stepped in as acting superintendent effective immediately, ensuring that day-to-day operations and key initiatives continue without disruption.
