District 97 Board of Education Makes Statement on Death of Peter Traczyk

The Oak Park Elementary School District 97 board of education has released a statement regarding the unexpected death of Peter Traczyk, a board member, and services have been scheduled.

A memorial visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 13 at Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home, 203 South Marion St., Oak Park. A celebration of Traczyk’s life will take place at 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at United Lutheran Church, 409 Greenfield Street, Oak Park.

Memorial donations may be made to the Oak Park Education Foundation, 970 Madison Street, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Statement from the D97 Board of Education:
We, like so many in Oak Park, were stunned by the news that Peter Traczyk had passed away over the weekend. The mere thought of such a devastating loss was impossible to fathom. As the reality of the situation set in, shock gave way to sadness…disbelief turned into despair.

However, as is often the case in times of tragedy, the healing process began in earnest with community members coming together to celebrate one of their own. They shared stories of how Peter touched their lives. They talked about his kindness, his generosity and his unforgettable smile. They spoke with great reverence of the positive and lasting impact he had on children. They reflected on his proud and storied legacy as a public servant, and reminisced about the fond memories they had of him as a coach and parent volunteer. Most importantly, they joined as one to honor the memory of a wonderful neighbor, husband and father who left us far too soon.

When we look back on Peter’s significant contributions to District 97, we remember his hard work and passionate commitment to education, which helped pave the way for the success of our schools and the children we serve. We remember how he gave Oak Parkers an active voice in shaping the future of our district by helping to establish the Finance Oversight and Review Committee and the Facilities Advisory Committee—two standing board committees that were founded on the principles of citizen engagement and participation. We remember the pivotal role he played in the passage of the district’s first operating rate referendum in more than 20 years, which lessened the negative effect of state cuts on our finances and enabled us to invest in initiatives that have enhanced the quality of the learning experience for our students. We also remember the respect and admiration he earned from his peers, which resulted in his selection as president and vice president of our board.

Through his unparalleled leadership and tireless dedication, Peter was able to build a better tomorrowfor the village he called home since 1997. His pragmatism, collaborative spirit and straight-forward approach to problem solving, coupled with his sharp wit, wealth of knowledge and dogged persistence, helped us strengthen our relationships with our stakeholders and establish positive and productive partnerships with the other local governing bodies. He also championed the creation of innovative agreements with the Village of Oak Park, the Park District of Oak Park, District 200 and our four employee groups that will benefit the long-term growth and development of our community.

Forest E. Witcraft, a scholar, teacher and scout leader, once wrote “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” Peter Traczyk will long be remembered as a warm, wonderful and selfless individual who improved the lives of thousands of children through his noble words and deeds.

Rest in peace, Peter, and thank you for always being a dear friend and beloved colleague.