During a special board meeting on June 15, the District 97 Board of Education appointed Vincent Gay to fill the vacancy created in May 2026 by the resignation of Becky Pérez. Gay was officially sworn in during the meeting, and will serve until the next election in April 2027.
“The board was fortunate to receive applications from a number of highly qualified candidates who demonstrated a strong commitment to public education and service to the Oak Park community,” Board President Cheree Moore said. “Vincent brings a unique combination of educational leadership, community engagement, and firsthand experience as a District 97 parent. His perspective and dedication to public education will be a valuable addition to the board, and we look forward to partnering with him as we continue our work on behalf of students, staff, and families.”
Gay is an educator and non-profit leader with more than 20 years of experience in education. He began his career as a teacher before service as a school principal and educational leader. He currently leads partnerships that help school districts improve literacy outcomes and expand student support programs.
Gay has been actively involved in the Oak Park community through a variety of volunteer and leadership roles. He previously served as co-president of the Whittier PTO, coaches youth sports, volunteers as an eighth-grade sexual health educator, serves on the board of the SlowFire Arts Foundation, and writes a monthly column for the Wednesday Journal focused on education, youth sports, and civic life.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Temple University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Montclair State University.
Gay and his family have been part of the District 97 community for more than a decade. His two children attended Whittier Elementary School and Brooks Middle School. One child currently attends Oak Park and River Forest High School, and the other is a student in District 97.
Gay said he is honored to have been selected to serve on the District 97 Board of Education.
“District 97 has played an important role in my family's life for more than a decade, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back through board service,” he said. “I look forward to listening, learning, and working collaboratively to help ensure every student has access to an excellent educational experience.”
The board received applications from 12 community members interested in filling the board vacancy. Following a review of application materials, board members selected three finalists to participate in interviews during their June 9 meeting.
The District 97 Board of Education again extends its appreciation to all community members who applied and expressed a willingness to serve the district and its students.