Oak Park School Elementary School District 97 is now in the throes of a new superintendent search, with the stated goal of identifying and hiring a leader who reflects the district’s values and puts students first.
The district distributed an RFP (request for proposals) for a superintendent search firm Sept. 15, with an Oct. 3 deadline to submit proposals. The search is necessary because former superintendent Dr. Ushma Shah resigned Aug. 15 under undisclosed circumstances.
“The search firm will assist the district with posting and advertising the position broadly,” said Dr. Griff Powell, who with Dr. Patricia Wernet were named co-interim superintendents for the 2025-26 school year. Their tenure began Sept. 15.
“Once the position is posted, it will be open to all qualified candidates, including current superintendents, who may apply directly through the process facilitated by the firm,” Powell said, adding the new superintendent should begin no later than July 1, 2026.
Board of education president Cheree Moore said her cohort’s discussions will be focused going forward.
“Over the next few weeks, we’ll be talking together about what our schools need most right now and how to make sure we’re prepared for the changes and opportunities ahead, particularly as we navigate changes at the federal level,” she said.
Make no mistake. October and November are going to be very busy months for Moore and the rest of the board, along with Powell and Wernat. For example, Powell said that with the Oct. 3 RFP deadline, the board will hold a special business meeting Oct. 7 to discuss the submitted proposals.
He added that along with regularly scheduled board meetings, there will be several special meetings to work with the selected search firm to design and carry out the search process, “which will include robust and inclusive community engagement efforts.”
Moore agreed.
“Our goal is to have a robust and inclusive engagement process that ensures all voices are meaningfully heard,” she said, adding that working with the search firm to identify methods like surveys, forms and focus groups will be crucial.
Moore said the community has been clear about the what it wants in a new superintendent.
“Community members have shared that they want a strong leader will who will keep students at the center of every decision and uphold the district’s core values,” she said. “They are also looking for someone who can guide the district thoughtfully through times of change while supporting our students, staff and families.”
Powell said at the Sept. 18 board meeting that the district is bit behind in the search process. Districts typically begin the process when they have advanced notice, such as when a superintendent retires.
Nevertheless, Powell is convinced of one thing.
“While the timing of the resignation means our process is starting later than in some districts, we are still confident we’ll be able to find an outstanding leader,” he said.
Moore added that while the timing of Shah’s resignation wasn’t ideal, there are some positives.
“One positive aspect of this process is it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the district’s process and priorities, and to engage our community in shaping the future,” she said.