Terri Bresnahan Prepares for New Role as Superintendent

As the academic year approaches, Terri Bresnahan has begun her preparations to welcome students in Oak Park Elementary School District 97. Key tasks include ensuring teachers and students have necessary resources, completing summer projects, and readying school buildings for the first day on August 26.

Bresnahan, in her 31st year in public education, starts her tenure as the new superintendent at the district, which includes eight elementary schools and two middle schools. The school board approved her four-year contract in February, effective from July 1. She brings previous experience from her 11-year tenure as superintendent of Berkeley School District 87, with a focus on promoting equity in education.

Oak Park is recognized for its commitment to equality and providing all students access to resources for success. Bresnahan values the community’s dedication, stating, “Being in a community like Oak Park where resources and opportunities are prioritized for all students is really important.”

School Board President Cheree Moore expressed confidence in Bresnahan’s leadership, describing her as a leader with integrity, who is committed to equity and student success. Moore stated, “The board is confident she is the right person to lead District 97 forward.”

Bresnahan would like to immerse herself in the community and find improvements aligned with her values. She remarked, “It’s an honor to serve in this district, and I aim to connect with the community not just as a superintendent, but as someone dedicated to serving all students.”

Bresnahan’s interest in education started during her childhood under her single mother’s care. The experiences from her school days, including a free lunch program, shaped her career choice to advocate for future generations.

She plans to enhance school culture with initiatives like “responsive classrooms” aimed at promoting positive behaviors and classroom management.

Moore summed up the community’s expectation, saying, “Our community desires a leader who is present, invested, and committed to Oak Park. Dr. Bresnahan is ready to listen, build relationships, and advance the work of District 97.”