Superintendent for North Shore School District 112 Mike Lubelfeld said he plans to retire in two years, at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Lubelfeld, who has been with the Highland Park and Highwood elementary school district for six years, announced his plans at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting with an effective retirement date of June 30, 2026.
“Serving our students, families and staff members for the past six years as your superintendent has been an honor and a privilege,” Lubelfeld said. “It has been a humbling experience to lead this exceptional district where I first began a career in school administration.”
Lubelfeld started his career in education as a teacher. He first worked in District 112 as principal for Elm Place Middle School, and then as an assistant superintendent for four years.
Before becoming superintendent of District 112, Lubelfeld spent five years as the superintendent for Deerfield Public Schools District 109, and three years as the superintendent for Pennoyer School District 79 in Norridge.
“I plan to work diligently for the next two years, helping the board navigate a strategic planning process this fall that will incorporate community input and set up my successor and the district for a clear and coherent path forward,” Lubelfeld said during Tuesday’s board meeting.
A press release from the North Shore school district said Lubelfeld’s tenure was marked by “significant achievements and transformative initiatives,” such as leading the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, modernizing facilities through a referendum and prioritizing diversity and equity initiatives in the district.
A few months ago, a group of District 112 parents publicly raised awareness about racist bullying and the use of racial slurs at the middle school during a Board of Education meeting in February. In response, Lubelfeld initiated community surveys and focus groups with parents.
Lubelfeld also led the school district in the aftermath of the 2022 Fourth of July parade shooting in Highland Park, while maintaining a focus on “student learning and support services,” the release stated.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Board of Education President Lisa Hirsh expressed her gratitude for Lubelfeld and his tenure.
“During his tenure, he has expertly guided our district through extraordinary challenges to a path of significant growth and positive change across our schools,” Hirsh said. “His tireless vision, passion and focus on educational excellence have created an environment where students thrive, staff feel supported, and families are assured that their children receive a high-quality education.”
Under Lubelfeld’s leadership, two District 112 schools won National Blue Ribbon Awards and all nine received High-Reliability School certifications.
In the coming weeks, the Board of Education will provide an update to the community on the district’s superintendent succession plan, the press release said.
chilles@chicagotribune.com