District 97 to Host Series of Community Conversations

Submitted by Oak Park Elementary School District 97

Oak Park, IL - District 97 is seeking the community’s help to shape the future of the district's schools and to contribute to the success of students.

During the past several months, District 97 superintendent Carol Kelley met with a number of educators, students, families and Oak Park residents in an effort to better understand their perspectives on the needs and interests of the district.

She heard loud and clear that District 97 needs a strong vision for where it is going and a plan for getting there. Having the community engaged and invested in this process is imperative for achieving the district’s goals.

With this in mind, District 97 will be hosting a series of community conversations this month. During these conversations, citizens can actively participate in the creation of a shared vision for the district. They will also help identify what it will take to reach that vision from where the district is now.

The sessions with District 97 students, faculty and staff will take place during the week after school has dismissed for the day. The dates, times and locations for the sessions with District 97 families and community members are below:

• Saturday, April 16: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Oak Park Public Library (OPPL) Main Branch, Veteran's Room
• Saturday, April 23: 10 a.m. to noon – OPPL Dole Branch, Meeting Room
• Wednesday, April 27: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – OPPL Dole Branch, Meeting Room
• Saturday, April 30: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – OPPL Main Branch, 2nd Floor Small Meeting Room
• Saturday, April 30: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – OPPL Maze Branch, Meeting Room

Light refreshments will be served. Check the District 97 website for information about the sessions when childcare will be provided.

The community always has and always will play a vital and valuable role in setting the course for educating our children. By attending one of these conversations, you can help ensure that this course leads to a better and brighter future for everyone.