Applications to become the next Oak Park District 97 school board member are now open and up online on the district website, op97.org. The board is looking to fill a vacant position, as board Vice President Jeremy Duffy recently resigned from the board.
Duffy, a first-time candidate who was elected to the school board last April, announced Aug. 17 that he was leaving his post to take a new job at the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). Duffy has been hired by the state board of education as a legal officer, where he will provide legal advice to the board and supervise the bargaining agreements between agencies and union employees, said Jackie Matthews, a spokesperson from ISBE, in an email to Wednesday Journal.
Duffy, who among many things is an education attorney and former teacher, will also oversee the department that investigates misconduct by licensed educators, Matthews said. Duffy’s resignation took effect Aug. 31.
The board must appoint someone to fill Duffy’s seat until the next election cycle in April 2023, according to an email announcement sent Aug. 27.
Those interested in applying must meet the following criteria: Candidates should be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a registered voter and have lived in District 97 for more than one year. For more information on D97’s board policy, visit www.op97.org/boe/policies.
Candidates are required to submit a completed information packet, resume and cover letter, the email stated. The packet is available online or can be picked up at the Superintendent’s office, 260 Madison St. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Sept. 13.
The board is expected to hold a special meeting later this month where applicants will be interviewed during a closed session, the email also stated. The board plans to appoint an individual no later than Oct. 30.
