Without comment on the reasons for Supt. Ushma Shah’s unexpected resignation last week, the school board at Oak Park’s District 97 elementary schools voted Monday evening to appoint Dr. Griff Powell and Dr. Patricia Wernet as co-interim superintendents for the 2025- 26 school year, beginning Sept. 15.
The duo also served in the same interim capacity during the 2021-2022 school year.
They will replace Shah, who abruptly tendered her resignation Friday. The board formally accepted Shah’s resignation at a special meeting Monday and appointed Powell and Wernet to their new roles. The board also appointed Patrick Robinson, district assistant superintendent of elementary schools, as acting superintendent until Powell and Wernet begin.
Both the district and the board were mum about why Shah had departed, especially since she received a two-year contract extension in May and the matter was not discussed at the Aug. 12 regular board meeting, where Shah was in attendance. Wednesday Journal has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for Shah’s resignation letter and other materials related to her departure.
Board president Cheree Moore said post-meeting she didn’t “have any additional comments at this time.” The district issued a joint press release with Shah Friday that said the board was “grateful for Dr. Shah’s service” over her three-year tenure.
“Dr. Shah has served the district with dedication since June 1, 2022,” the release said, “bringing visionary leadership, a deep commitment to student success and a collaborative spirit that has strengthened our school community.”
The release said her accomplishments included guiding the district through post- pandemic challenges, negotiating a new contract with the Oak Park Teachers Association (OPTA), and creation of the Portrait of an Oak Park 8th Grade Graduate.
Multiple calls and texts to Shah over the weekend and Monday were not returned.
According to her LinkedIn profile Tuesday morning, Shah still listed herself as district superintendent. She was also listed as superintendent on the District 97 website Tuesday morning.
Robinson has worked for the district for seven years, serving as assistant superintendent of elementary schools since 2023 and prior to that, Whittier Elementary School principal.
Powell and Wernet are familiar faces for District 97, having served in those roles during the 2021-22 school year. A district release late Monday said that during that time, “they navigated a number of critical challenges – including leading our safe and smooth reopening of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic – and remain deeply familiar with the Oak Park community and staff.”
In that statement, Moore said the board was excited to bring back Powell and Wernet. “Alongside our dedicated administrative team, they will help guide the district with stability and care,” she said.
The release said the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System limits the number of days a retired superintendent can work each school year, which is why the pair will divide responsibilities and workdays. Their schedule will be determined once they are able to meet with the board and district administration.
Powell, who is in his 14th interim engagement and third with Wernet, said Monday evening that the two are clear about their role.
“Our job is to provide the resources and the support to maximize the support of our students on a daily basis,” he said. “This will be a lot easier, because I know the majority of the players. We have a good working relationship with the unions and with the senior staff.”
While he was unable to provide any insight about why Shah resigned, he said he is excited for the challenge.
“Absolutely,” he said. “It’s a great community. I know a number of people in the community.”