Eleven local government officials spoke at Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Civics Service Learning Fair on Jan.30, addressing inclusivity, sustainability, and student involvement in local government during a panel discussion. The panel, held in the school’s Little Theater, was part of an ongoing effort to educate students about civic engagement and policy decisions that affect their community.
Among the topics discussed was inclusion, with Oak Park Village Trustee Lucia Robinson highlighting a new language access policy aimed at improving communication between the village government and non-English-speaking residents. “We unanimously passed our first-ever language access policy,” Robinson said. “Our Village website now offers translation services, ensuring residents can choose how they want to communicate with their government.”
Another major issue covered was property taxes and how they fund local schools and services. Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi explained the system’s complexities, stating, “About two-thirds of property taxes in Cook County go toward funding schools. My office’s role is to ensure fairness by accurately assessing property values so that everyone pays their fair share.”
Sustainability and affordable housing initiatives were also key discussion points. Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman shared the village’s commitment to climate action and economic development. “We are founding members of the Cross-Community Climate Collaborative, working with 14 communities to address climate change together,” Scaman said. “We just secured $500,000 to launch a workforce development program in partnership with OPRF High School, which will create new opportunities for students.”
Beyond policy discussions, the panelists encouraged students to take an active role in local government. River Forest Village Clerk Jon Keller advised students to explore local committees and advisory boards. “This is your community as much as anyone else’s,” Keller said. “Your voice is important, and there are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved.”
The Civics Service Learning Fair, first introduced in Fall 2023, takes place once per semester. Following the panel, students had the opportunity to connect with local organizations during a volunteer fair in the school’s South Cafeteria, where they could explore opportunities to fulfill required service hours while simultaneously getting involved in the community.
With several panelists up for re-election in April, the event also served as a reminder of the impact local government has on students’ daily lives. By discussing pressing issues such as school policy, taxes, and sustainability, officials aimed to empower students to engage with their communities and participate in the political process beyond voting.
