Board Highlights

The 2025–26 school year continues to move forward with momentum, and the board of education meeting on Oct. 14 featured key updates and decisions supporting that progress. In this edition, you’ll find:

• An update on the superintendent search process, including presentations from firms under consideration to assist with the search.
  
  

• The board’s approval of a new five-year contract with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
  
  

• Several items presented for discussion, including the K–5 math pilot and an update on the district’s Master Facilities Planning process.
  
  

During its Oct. 14 meeting, the District 97 Board of Education heard presentations from three executive search firms—BWP and Associates, HYA (Hazard, Young, Attea Associates), and the Illinois Association of School Boards—as part of the district’s superintendent search process.

Each firm presented an overview of its services, costs, and proposed process and timeline for community engagement, recruitment and hiring. Board members also had the opportunity to ask questions following each presentation.

➡️ View the full presentations here.

During the meeting, Co-Interim Superintendent Patricia Wernet provided an overview of the district’s recent communication to families regarding immigration enforcement, reaffirming our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of all students and staff.

Families can learn more using the resources below:

• District Message: Our Commitment to Safe and Welcoming Schools

• Immigration Resources for Families
  
  

Dr. Wernet also highlighted recent celebrations and accomplishments, including Principal and Custodial Appreciation, Hispanic Heritage Month activities, and awards earned by D97 teachers and students.

Transformation Goal 2: We Design for All

Transformation Goal 3: We Align Resources

Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools Patrick Robinson and Senior Director of Teaching and Learning Tawanda Lawrence shared an update on the district’s K–5 mathematics resource review and pilot process. This year, teachers at Holmes and Longfellow elementary schools will pilot two programs—Amplify Desmos Math and Bridges in Mathematics from The Math Learning Center—to help determine a new core resource for districtwide adoption in spring 2026. The budget proposal will go to the board for action on Oct. 28. ➡️ View the discussion here.

Chief Operations and Technology Officer Michael Arensdorff and Senior Director of Buildings and Grounds John Pahlman provided an update on the district’s Master Facilities Plan (MFP) and sustainability initiatives. The presentation outlined progress on facility assessments, space utilization studies, and cross-department planning that will inform recommendations for a new five- and ten-year facilities plan, expected this winter. The team also shared recent sustainability milestones, including energy savings through Strategic Energy Management and ongoing collaboration with the Village of Oak Park and local partners. ➡️ View the discussion here.

At its Oct. 14 meeting, the Board of Education voted to formally approve this year’s eighth-grade field trip to Nashville, Tennessee, which will take place March 14–16, 2026.

The trip—organized by WorldStrides—will give students opportunities to explore college and career pathways, including visits to Fisk University, Music Row, and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. In line with the district’s equity policy, financial assistance will be available for students who need it, with support from Oak Park Township.

The district also plans to continue engaging students and families after the trip to learn about their experiences and gather feedback to help shape future field trip plans.