Regular Meeting - May 12 2026

The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 held a regular board meeting on May 12, 2026, which included extensive public comments primarily focused on the eighth grade class trip to Washington DC. Community members expressed concerns about equity and participation rates, noting a decline in attendance and disparities among Black and Hispanic students. The district presented data on trip participation and discussed plans for future trips, including proposals for alternative destinations such as Springfield and outdoor education, with a recommendation to return to a model where out-of-state travel is optional and parent-organized. The board also approved several procurement-related items, including the purchase of K-5 mathematics curriculum materials for $823, teacher leadership roles costing $663,000, student registration and lunch fees for the 2026-27 school year, and a food services contract renewal. A significant contract was approved for on-site solar projects at district schools with General Energy for up to $1,814,440. Additionally, the board reviewed a two-year contract recommendation with Andy Frame for crossing guard services at a cost of $431,072 per year. Updates were provided on technology plans, including device usage policies, filtering, and instructional technology integration, with ongoing efforts to balance screen time and educational value. The meeting also included presentations on youth engagement programs and capital improvement projects such as a parking lot partnership with the park district. Several contracts and budget items were slated for approval at the upcoming June meeting, with discussions about consent agenda processes and transparency.