District 97 Superintendent Search 2025-26 Web Banner

The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 Board of Education is partnering with the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) to identify and hire the district’s next superintendent.

The board is dedicated to a search process that is transparent, inclusive, and grounded in the values that define District 97. Throughout the process, we will engage students, staff, families, and community members to ensure the leadership profile reflects our priorities—especially our commitment to equity, belonging, and academic excellence. Our goal is to select a superintendent who will serve our community with integrity, collaborate effectively with all stakeholders, and lead our district with vision and purpose.

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 - Superintendent of Schools

Job Posting

Applications will be accepted until December 23, 2025

Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is seeking an accomplished, equity-driven, and student-centered leader to serve as its next superintendent. Located just west of Chicago, District 97 is a nationally recognized PreK–8 district that serves approximately 5,600 students across eight elementary schools and two middle schools. The district’s nearly 900 educators and staff are deeply committed to academic excellence, inclusion, and the success of every learner.

About the District

District 97 offers a comprehensive PreK–8 educational experience supported by a rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum; rich fine arts and world language programs; and a continuum of student supports. Instructional practices are grounded in Universal Design for Learning, the Danielson Framework for Teaching, and an unwavering belief in each student’s ability to grow and thrive.

The district is guided by a strong foundation of equity and community values. Its Equity Policy, community-designed Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate, and Sustainability, Climate, and Environmental Justice Policy reflect a deep commitment to belonging, academic excellence, and preparing students for a changing world. District 97 educators include National Board Certified Teachers, “Those Who Excel” honorees, Golden Apple finalists, and highly-skilled professionals who continually refine their practice to support all students.

(Additional information about district programs, demographics, curriculum, and community context is available in the linked brochure below.)

D97 Superintendent Search Brochure - 2025

The Leadership Opportunity

The next superintendent will join a district with exceptional strengths, strong community partnerships, and a clear commitment to equity and whole-child learning. The ideal leader will:

  • Champion equity and inclusive practices across schools and systems.
  • Strengthen teaching, learning, and continuous improvement.
  • Build trust through transparent communication and authentic engagement.
  • Foster a collaborative, supportive culture for educators and staff.
  • Ensure safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students.
  • Approach decision-making with clarity, steadiness, and a student-first mindset.

Above all, District 97’s next leader must embrace—and demonstrate through action—the district’s vision to create a positive learning environment for all students that is equitable, inclusive, and focused on the whole child.

Search Brochure: Download

Application: Visit: iasb.com/about-us/executive-searches/information-for-candidate/ for a list of items needed. Apply online at: https://iasb.myrevelus.com.

This search is being conducted by the Illinois Association of School Boards through Carmen I. Ayala, Ph.D., (630) 629-3776, ext. 1243 or [email protected].

Applications are accepted until December 23, 2025.  Screening interviews begin as applications are received.

slide-1
slide-2
slide-3
slide-4
slide-5
slide-6
slide-7
slide-8