Academic Excellence

Butler District 53 continues to shine

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BUTLER DISTRICT 53

Most schools in the country likely never will be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a National Blue Ribbon Award for overall academic excellence.

But when Brook Forest School in Oak Brook was selected in the fall for the second time, it joined Butler Elementary School District 53’s Butler Junior High as a two-time winner. Brook Forest previously received the award in 2014, and Butler Junior High was recognized in 2015 and 2021.

The National Blue Ribbon School accolades make for an impressive note on District 53’s resume, but the two-school Oak Brook elementary district has been known as one of the state’s top performing for a long time.

“District 53 has been able to maintain its position as one of the state’s highest performing elementary dis- tricts because of our talented and dedicated faculty and staff who personalize learning for our students,” District 53 Superintendent Paul O’Malley said. “Coupled with our committed teachers, our students strive to achieve their highest potential each and every day within our buildings, always giving the extra mile for themselves and their peers.”

O’Malley said that through smaller class sizes, the district’s teachers and students collaborate on individual learning opportunities, growth goals, and a personalized approach to learning. “Additionally, we are very fortunate to have a strong partnership with our parents, who carry on their children’s learning at home,” he said.

Alan Hanzlik, who served on the School Board from 2009 to 2017, including a run as President from 2010 to 2017, noted some of the same reasons that he believes have allowed the continued outstanding academic performance in the district.

Hanzlik said he believes several factors must work in harmony for a school district to be a consistent high performer. He said those factors are:

• A strong home support structure that values education

• Parental involvement and interest in their children and in various aspects of the school, such as providing feedback, involvement in the PTO, and supporting activities.

• An academic menu that is relevant for all levels and skills of the students.

• Exceptional teachers and administrators who are supported and appreciated.

• Adequate and consistent funding.

• A knowledgeable and involved Board that recognizes multiple community mandates such as academic excellence, resource acquisition/ training, safety and effective cost management.

“Butler 53 is fortunate to have had these traits over an extended period of time,” Hanzlik said.

O’Malley said he knew of District 53’s outstanding reputation before he came to the district in 2019 from most recently working as superintendent of Norridge Elementary District 80.

“Prior to joining District 53, I had always heard about the high performance of the students, small class sizes, and commitment to academic excellence,” O’Malley said. “Not only was I intrigued by the academic reputation of the district, but I was also very impressed by the family support of students in their academic pursuits.”

While outstanding academic performance has continued consistently in District 53, it’s not something that’s automatic. “Ensuring that this level of academic achievement continues maintains a priority for our Board of Education, administrative team, and faculty and staff,” O’Malley said. “District 53 prides itself on creating a culture of excellence in education that encourages creativity and lifelong learning in our students. To that end, we continually evaluate our curriculum across grade levels and subject areas to ensure that the district continuously improves and innovates. When you are a high performing school district, the growth gains start to become incremental as opposed to large leaps.”

Another challenge District 53 faces is continuing to live up to the high standards parents have come to expect.

“Our parents expect a strong collaboration between home and school and we provide that,” O’Malley said. “We also know that each student can perform at their best through a personalized approach to learning. We partner with our parents to set individual growth plans and academic goals for our students to achieve their personal best.” ■