District 117 schools land among Illinois’ best

Four schools in North Palos School District 117 are now ranked in the top 10 percent statewide, and district leaders say the numbers actually put them even higher.

Superintendent Dr. Christine Droba shared the news during the Dec. 18 Committee of the Whole meeting at Palos Hills City Hall, where she outlined recent state and national recognitions earned by the district.

Each year, the Illinois State Board of Education assigns performance designations to schools based largely on academics and student growth. Seventy-five percent of a school’s rating is tied to student performance in math and reading, including year-over-year growth. The remaining portion factors in school climate measures such as attendance and student surveys.

Using those criteria, Dorn, Glen Oaks, Oak Ridge, and Sorrick all earned the state’s highest designation, Exemplary. Conrady Junior High earned a Commendable rating, missing 

Exemplary status by less than one point.

Droba said district administrators also reviewed proficiency data internally, comparing District 117 students to others across Illinois.

“When we ran the numbers ourselves, we found our students ranked in the top two to three percent statewide in math and reading proficiency,” Droba said. “That confirmed what we’re seeing in classrooms every day.”

District 117 was also recognized through the Blue Ribbon program. Several schools previously earned National Blue Ribbon status, and this year the district received the Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon after the federal program ended.

One District 117 school was selected to host the statewide award presentation, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker attended in person.

“They chose one school out of 20 statewide to host the ceremony,” Droba said. “That was a huge honor for our district.”

Mayor Gerald Bennett said the district’s performance plays a major role in why families choose Palos Hills.

“One of the reasons people move here is education,” Bennett said. “To have our school districts ranked at this level speaks volumes about this community.”

Ald. Mike LeBarre said Droba’s leadership stands out for keeping every student in mind, based on what he’s heard from school board members.

“What I’ve heard from school board members is how excited they are to work with you,” LeBarre said. “They appreciate that you’re focused not just on high-achieving students, but on making sure every student has a chance to succeed.”

Droba also shared a brief facilities update, noting that planned expansions and program relocations remain on track for the next school year. Changes include consolidated preschool programming and additional classroom, therapy, art, and music spaces.

She thanked city officials for their continued partnership, calling Palos Hills “a special place” and crediting community support for the district’s success.’

The council congratulated District 117 staff, students, and families before moving on to other city business.