New NSSD112 Superintendent Meets Community, Seeks Feedback

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Ahead of officially taking over for co-interim superintendents Edward Rafferty and Jane Westerhold, the incoming chief administrator of North Shore District 112 held a community event introducing himself and meeting community members. At the district's offices earlier this month, Mike Lubelfeld gave a presentation for about 20 minutes before taking questions from the audience.

Lubelfeld explained his "Yes and" philosophy and assured attendees the district would live up to its motto of "Inspire, Innovate and Engage." He said he did not have unlimited time or a blank check but said schools in Highland Park would "once again be the treasure and gem sought after by all people near and far" to study how to deliver a great education.

There was audible laughter when the former District 112 administrator and current Deerfield District 109 superintendent dryly remarked that he couldn't help but notice that "boundaries and reconfigeration have occupied some of your time while I've been away."

Lubelfeld said he would not talk about reconfiguration. He would just "configure" the district.

He advised parents not to worry about the district's facilities, which will once again "shine," he said.

"Worry only about not going to keep up with the success that you realize from your child's education," he told attendees at the Feb. 12 event.

Lubelfeld also advised the community not to worry about the financial health of the district.

We do not have a financial crisis. We do not have financial problems. This is a resource-rich school system serving some of the wealthiest communities on planet Earth and school districts in Illinois would die to have a quarter of what we have in terms of capacity to generate local revenue and in terms of opportunities not yet realized in terms of aging facilities.

Make no mistake: we're not broke. We may be broken in a few places – it's OK, we can fix it, and not with duct tape. We'll fix it with new materials.

Lubelfeld starts officially on July 1. The district offered a short survey seeking input on the transition and asking the community about concerns and suggestions for the district.

Related:

• Mike Lubelfeld Hired As New NSSD112 Superintendent
  
• North Shore School District 112 Approves Co-Interim Superintendents
  
• District 112 Superintendent Michael Bregy Resigns