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.

Students and staff from Brooks and Julian middle schools joined district leaders to talk about the success of "Middle School Connection," a new program designed to support incoming sixth-graders.

The District 97 Middle School Team presented an update on the Middle School Redesign, showcasing the start of the 2024-25 school year. The presentation focused on the new Middle School Connection Program, school-wide behavior expectations, and insights from a sixth-grade student panel.

District 97 Middle School Connection supported more than 500 sixth-graders (79%) in their transition to middle school. Student data showed a high satisfaction with the program, highlighting strong relationships with peers and teachers and confidence navigating their new environment. Families echoed this positive feedback, particularly on student engagement and confidence. Staff felt well-prepared, with successful strategies like daily circles fostering a sense of belonging. The district aims to improve the program next year by engaging underrepresented students in new ways and announcing the program dates earlier next year.

A student panel shared their experiences starting the school year, offering a firsthand look at the impact of the Middle School Connection program. Olivia Minish-Murray, a sixth-grader at Brooks, said, “I think what was very helpful this school year is all the supportive staff and my peers as well. The Middle School Connection also played a huge role because it gave me a chance to navigate and learn where everything was and make life a little less confusing.”

The team also shared progress on the District 97 School-Wide Behavior Expectations, emphasizing the focus on creating inclusive and supportive learning environments. With plans to gather input through student and staff focus groups, walk-throughs, and data-driven approaches through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, the team is working to ensure expectations are aligned to and responsive to student needs.

Click the following links to learn more, and be on the lookout for updates during the school year: Recording | Slides

Expanding access and opportunity through community partnerships.

District 97 partnered with Triton College this summer to offer "Middle School Explore," an exciting new program designed as an introduction and exploration of college and career interests for students at Brooks and Julian middle schools.

During the Sept. 10 meeting, District 97 leaders shared a comprehensive overview of the summer learning programs offered throughout the district. These programs, which served over 600 students, ranged from academic enrichment, such as math and literacy interventions, to engaging camps like robotics and music.

The presentation highlighted successes, including positive feedback from families about the overall student experience, as well as areas for improvement, such as increasing participation among underrepresented groups and enhancing communication with families.

The team was joined by Maureen McCarthy, superintendent of recreation for the Park District of Oak Park, who shared details about our new partnership aimed at increasing access to park district programs for District 97 students.

Click the following links to learn more about 2024 summer programming in District 97: Recording | Slides

Increasing transparency and access to D97 Board of Education meetings.

Dr. Sheila Johnson, assistant superintendent of finance and operations, and John Pahlman, senior director of buildings and grounds, presented a follow-up on its preparation for a comprehensive Master Facilities Plan, which will be developed during the 2024-25 school year.

Guided by the district's new sustainability policy, adopted in December 2023, the new facilities plan will include energy-efficient upgrades and potential solar panel installations, while also addressing facility conditions, capacity, educational adequacy, and safety.

Community engagement will be a key part of the process, ensuring that the plan supports both the district’s educational mission and environmental goals for years to come​.

Click the following links to learn more, and be on the lookout for updates during the school year: Recording | Slides

"Board Highlights," our new District 97 Board of Education newsletter designed to enhance transparency and make it easier for our community to stay informed about the decisions and initiatives that impact our students and schools.

We're also excited to introduce our new Board of Education platform, Diligent, which will make it easier than ever to stay connected. This platform provides quick access to meeting packets, presentations, calendars, and video recordings, ensuring you have all the information you need at your fingertips. You can explore the new platform and subscribe to updates here.

The D97 Board is seeking community members who are interested in offering their expertise and guidance to support the success of our schools. You can make a difference by volunteering to serve on one of the district's board committees:

• Parent-Teacher Advisory Committee (PTAC)
• Finance Oversight and Review Committee (FORC)
  
  

Interested individuals who would like to be considered for membership are asked to complete a brief form. The board of education and committees will be reviewing all applications received for consideration until all vacancies are filled. Selected applicants will be contacted directly.

Candidates can access additional information about board committees by visiting https://www.op97.org/boe/committees. If you have any questions about committees or the application process, please contact Board Secretary Lonya Boose at lboose@op97.org.

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