Superintendent

Dear District 123 Families and Community,

On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire District 123 staff, welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! As we open our doors for another exciting year of learning, we are especially proud to celebrate 125 years of serving the students and families of the Oak Lawn-Hometown community.

Reaching this milestone gives us an opportunity to reflect on the generations of students, educators, families, and community members who have shaped District 123 into the outstanding school district it is today. While we honor our rich history, our focus remains firmly on the future as we continue our mission of Preparing Today's Learner for Tomorrow's World.

Our work is guided by the District 123 Strategic Plan, which serves as the roadmap for our district through 2030. Grounded in our Mission, Vision, Portrait of a Graduate, Guiding Principles, and Core Beliefs, the Strategic Plan provides a clear direction for ensuring every student is known, challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

This year, our schools will continue using the 90-Day School Improvement Planning (SIP) process to establish measurable goals, monitor progress, and continuously refine instructional practices. These focused improvement cycles help us remain intentional in our work while keeping student learning at the center of every decision we make.

At the heart of this work is our 100% All In commitment. Our goal is simple, yet ambitious: to help 100% of our students meet or exceed their individual NWEA MAP growth targets in reading and mathematics. This goal is more than a performance measure, it reflects our collective belief that every child can grow when surrounded by caring adults and a connected community who maintain high expectations, provide meaningful support, and never give up on their potential.

That commitment is already producing encouraging results. Recent academic data indicate that nearly two-thirds of District 123 students are on track to meet or exceed their reading and mathematics growth goals. While we celebrate this progress, we know our work is not finished. Every child deserves the opportunity to achieve meaningful growth, and we will continue working together until every student has that opportunity.

Of course, an exceptional education extends far beyond academics. District 123 students benefit from outstanding opportunities in music, art, athletics, clubs, leadership experiences, service learning, and countless extracurricular activities. These experiences help students develop the knowledge, skills, character, and confidence described in our Portrait of a Graduate while preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world.

As we begin this new school year, we are also placing a renewed emphasis on building trust and strengthening relationships throughout our district. We believe great schools are built on trust, between students and teachers, families and schools, colleagues and coworkers, and our district and the community we proudly serve. Every interaction matters. Whether welcoming a child on the first day of school, answering a parent's question, or supporting a colleague, each moment presents an opportunity to strengthen the relationships that make District 123 such a special place.

Thank you for the confidence you place in our schools and for your continued partnership in supporting our students. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve your family and look forward to another year of learning, growth, and celebration together.

Here's to a wonderful school year as we celebrate 125 years of excellence while continuing to build an even brighter future for every child.

Sincerely,

Paul J. Enderle
Superintendent
Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123