Background Checks

All individuals who wish to have a background check must make an appointment. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

Make an Appointment

A background check is required for people who want to serve as a chaperone on a field trip or volunteer in our schools. To obtain a background check, please visit our online sign-up page. (Links to a third-party website.) Please note, District 97 keeps all information obtained during a background check confidential. It will not be shared with any outside organization.

Please bring your driver’s license or State ID to your appointment. Results take about 7-10 business days (sometimes longer), so please plan accordingly.

If you have any questions, please email Autesha Latimer or call the distict office (708-524-3000).

FAQ
 

1. Where do I go? 
Administration Building - 260 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302.

2. What do I need to bring?
Bring your current Driver's License or State ID.

3 What should I expect?  
Your fingerprints will be scanned and a snapshot will be taken to submit to the Illinois State Police (ISP) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

4. Do I have to do this every year?
No. If you believe you have been fingerprinted with District 97, please email (preferred) Autesha Latimer at [email protected] or call 708-524-3000, so she can confirm if you are already in the system. 

5. When should I be fingerprinted? 
Any parent/guardian that will attend a field trip or will not be supervised by a District 97 employee during a classroom/school activity, will need to be fingerprinted. A supervised volunteer (classroom/school activity) will have a background check conducted.

6. How long does it take?
The fingerprinting itself takes less than 15 minutes. Once the information is transmitted, results are usually returned within seven to 10 business days–sometimes longer–so please plan accordingly. Fingerprint results cannot be expedited. Should there be an issue with your prints (rejection due to low image) you will be notified and will be required to come back into the district office to be reprinted.

7. Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions, please email Autesha Latimer at [email protected]. Please allow 48 to 72 hours for a response.