Oak Park Elementary School District 97 is officially seeking qualified, community-minded residents to apply for a vacant seat on the Board of Education.
This vacancy follows the recent resignation of board member Becky Pérez, who stepped down on May 18, 2026. The district is incredibly grateful for the devoted service she has provided since her election in 2025. You can read more about her impactful tenure in our official announcement of her resignation.
Serving on the school board is a powerful and meaningful way to give back to Oak Park, support our teachers, and directly shape the future for our students.
Important Timeline and Term Information
In accordance with state law, the Board will fill this vacancy within 60 days.
- Application Deadline: Thursday, June 4, 2026, by 4 p.m.
- Interviews: The board intends to review applications and interview candidates during an executive session at its regular meeting on June 9, 2026.
- Term Length: The appointed individual will serve until the next regularly scheduled election in April 2027, at which point an individual will be elected to serve a two-year term.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the vacant seat, interested candidates must meet the following core criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have lived within District 97 boundaries for at least one year
- Be a registered voter
Note: Additional legal criteria regarding public office compatibility, contract interests, and employment restrictions apply. Please review the full list of statutory disqualifications outlined in Board Policy 2:70.
How to Apply
If you meet the qualifications and are ready to serve the Oak Park community, please submit your application packet before the June 4 deadline. Your submission must include:
- A completed District 97 Board of Education Vacancy Application
- A current resume
- A cover letter
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the role, the timeline, or the application process, please reach out directly to Allie Foleno at [email protected]. We welcome your interest and look forward to hearing from you!