District 97 Transformation Goals

D97 Transformation Goals: Click to view

At the October 8, 2024 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Ushma Shah shared District 97’s main goals for the 2024-25 school year. The presentation outlined the district’s commitment to improving student outcomes and fostering a positive learning environment through strategic initiatives in four key areas (see below).

The four transformation goals are driven by eight "super subgoals," which involve careful planning, cross-functional collaboration, thoughtful allocation of resources, and engagement with students, families and staff. You can learn more about the goal areas by clicking the following link: 2024-25 Transformation Goals Presentation

The district is planning to provide ongoing updates on these goals throughout the school year. If you have any questions or feedback, we encourage you to reach out to the D97 team via Let's Talk.

1) We Learn, Lead, and Celebrate Together

We want to build a strong, positive school culture where everyone feels included and supported. This includes better communication and engagement with families and the community and providing professional learning opportunities for all staff.

2) We Design for All

Our goal is to make sure every student gets the support they need to succeed. We're focusing on improving how we teach at both elementary and middle schools, redesigning our middle schools to better support students’ growth, and helping students through important transitions, like moving from elementary to middle school.

3) We Align Resources

We’re committed to using our resources—like funding, staff, and facilities—wisely to support student success. This includes creating a long-term facilities plan to improve our schools and ensuring we have strong safety measures in place.

4) We Learn Everywhere

Learning isn’t just limited to the classroom! We’re helping students grow in many ways, including through our "Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate," which outlines the skills and qualities we want all students to have by the time they finish middle school. We’re also strengthening early childhood programs to give our youngest learners the best start possible.