W E D N E S D A Y
May 21, 2025 Vol. 45, No. 46
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JOURNAL @oakpark
of Oak Park and River Forest
Committee chair says police have refused to hand over data By BRENDAN HEFFERNAN
Students at Brooks Middle School on the first day of classes last year.
Administrators say culture change focusing on connections was key in 2024-25
TODD BANNOR
By GREGG VOSS Early June 2024 was a time of reckoning for Oak Park Elementary School District 97. After a contentious school board meeting in late May, where parents and teach-
ers expressed concerns about a number of safety-related issues at Percy Julian and Gwendolyn Brooks middle schools, district administrators had to reassess. How could the district increase safety for everyone at those schools? The key was not only implementing new policies and procedures, administra-
Page 13
Oak Park’s police oversight committee seeks data on Flock camera use
Are D97 middle schools safer? Contributing Reporter
Who killed Giancana?
tors say, but fostering a culture change focused on connection and experience. That has led to a safer environment for learning at both schools, according to district superintendent Dr. Ushma Shah, Dr. Luis De Leon, assistant superintendent of
Staff Reporter
Oak Park’s Citizen Police Oversight Committee submitted its semi-annual report to the village board of trustees ahead of a May 20 board meeting. Notably the committee report said it wants police department data to prove the effectiveness of Flock Automated License Plate Readers, a camera system used by police. The report revealed that the board only weighed in on two citizen complaints during the second half of 2024. The report also presented Compassionate home care in recommendations on how the committee would At FirstLight Home Care of Oak Park, we und like to be informed ofdeserves the police department’s more than someone who simply ke deserve acameras caregiver who passionate ab use of license plate reading in feels their best day, every day. investigations.
See SCHOOL SAFETY on page 11
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Our in-home care services provide the daily support adults need to live a life of dignity with as much independence as possible in Oak Park, extending Compassionate care West in Oak Park into Chicago neighborhoods suchhome as South Austin, Garfield Park and BelmontAt Central. FirstLight Home Care of Oak Park, we understand your loved one
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