Board Highlights

District 97 is committed to responsible financial stewardship to ensure the success of its students and schools. In keeping with this commitment, the administrator team presented a high-level financial forecast at the May 27 board meeting. This updated analysis aims to help the district navigate shifting economic conditions while planning for future challenges.

By planning ahead and being proactive, District 97 is ensuring it can meet both immediate needs and long-term challenges, all while continuing to provide a high-quality educational experience for our students.

1. We Prioritize Stability and Smart Spending
   For the past eight years, District 97 has consistently followed its policy of maintaining healthy reserves—equivalent to three to six months of expenses—and balanced its budget. This has allowed us to make key investments in our schools while staying financially stable.
   
   

2. We’re Preparing for Rising Costs
   Slower revenue growth caused by lower Consumer Price Index (CPI) levels underscores the need for careful financial forecasting and planning. This is especially important given that the district is anticipating significant future capital project costs related to master facilities planning.
   
   

3. Programs and Services Remain Strong
   Despite economic uncertainty, we do not anticipate any major changes to programs or services for the 2025-26 school year.

District 97 is already taking proactive steps to minimize disruptions and ensure stability:

• Forecasting for the Future: The district is integrating financial forecasting with master facilities planning to account for anticipated capital project costs and ensure projects are completed responsibly.
  
  

• Monitoring Trends: Economic data is reviewed regularly, and financial projections are updated to respond quickly to changes.
  
  

• Collaborating with Community Experts: Our Financial Oversight and Review Committee (FORC) and Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC), made up of community members, help guide decisions to ensure smart and responsible spending.
  
  

• Finding Efficiencies: The district is identifying cost-saving opportunities within current contracts and operations to ensure resources are used effectively. These adjustments are designed to maintain a high standard of student learning in all D97 schools.

To view the full financial analysis presentation, click the following links: Recording | Slides

We believe social science is more than just facts and dates—it’s about exploring diverse perspectives and learning how history shapes our world. Teaching through this lens helps students grow as critical thinkers with empathy and global awareness.

This vision aligns with updated Illinois Learning Standards and instructional mandates, which aim to equip students with real-world skills and foster critical thinking through a focus on four key areas: Civics, Economics, Geography, and History. Instruction should also be intentionally inclusive and culturally responsive to support all learners.

On June 10, 2025, the board will vote to adopt the proposed social science curriculum. If approved, the Core Instruction team will move forward with:

• Revising the scope and sequence to prepare for rollout in the 2025-26 school year;

• Providing professional learning and ongoing coaching for staff;

• Organizing opportunities for families to learn about the adopted resource.

At its regular meeting on May 13, 2025, the D97 Board heard an update from the Core Instruction team on its review process and recommendation for a new district-wide assessment system: Renaissance.

On May 27, the board voted unanimously to adopt the new curriculum. The D97 Assessment Committee will develop an implementation plan to support a full rollout beginning in the 2025-26 school year.