
February Board Update
Referendum update, Meadowbrook gym, Communications Director

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Public Meetings, Podcast, Website Detail Referendum Plan
With the $94.9 million bond referendum question coming before voters on April 1, the district is employing a multi-faceted approach to information sharing, including digital, mail, and in-person methods, Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson said.
The complete building plan, how the plan was developed and details about each school are posted on the district website: northbrook28.net/referendum.
A recently published podcast by Dr. Pearson, Chief School Business Official Jessica Donato and Director of Buildings and Grounds Joel Gallegos also explores the plan, targeted improvements and repairs.
There are two in-person events where members of the community are invited to participate in a gallery walk to learn about the plans. A virtual session is offered with registration.
Public Gallery Walks
Two in-person public gallery walks are scheduled at Northbrook United Methodist Church, 1190 Western Ave., Northbrook:
2 p.m. Tuesday, March 11
7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18
Virtual Session
A Virtual Information Session is planned for noon, Thursday, March 20
Those interested in attending need to RSVP to get the ZOOM link.
Meadowbrook Gymnasium Plans Move Forward
The Board of Education approved a Memorandum of Understanding with DLA Architects on Tuesday to build a gymnasium at Meadowbrook School. The architects have completed soil testing for the site and are working through the zoning process. The gym will be built regardless of the outcome of the referendum to help ease overcrowding at the school. Meadowbrook was built to accommodate three sections at each grade. It currently houses five sections at several grade levels and four in others. Through the Facilities Master Plan process, the need for a new gymnasium was identified as a key solution to alleviate scheduling constraints within the building.
The Meadowbrook gymnasium is being built as a stand-alone storm shelter to withstand strong tornados. All new school construction is required to have a storm shelter that meets these requirements, Dr. Jason Pearson said. If the referendum is approved, the gymnasium will blend seamlessly with the new building. If the referendum fails, the gymnasium will be accessed from the back of the existing building.
The gym is projected to cost between $6.5 million and $7.5 million. If the referendum is not approved on April 1, funds for construction will come from the operating fund and through a short-term borrowing option available for smaller amounts, Ms. Donato said.
Dr. Pearson noted that Northbrook Park District officials are interested in partnering with the school to use the gym for community activities after hours with some type of cost-sharing agreement.
New Director of Communications & Community Relations
Northbrook District 28 welcomes Samantha Scheinman as its new Director of Communications and Community Relations, effective July 1. Ms. Scheinman brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Communications Director for Barrington District 220 for seven years. Her background also includes a career as a television reporter in Texas, Arizona, and Rockford, IL.
During her tenure at Barrington District 220, Ms. Scheinman successfully led public relations, crisis communications, marketing, branding, website, and social media initiatives. She holds a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, both from Northwestern University.
"I am excited to use my communications skills to showcase all of the wonderful things happening in Northbrook District 28," Ms. Scheinman stated. "I look forward to getting to know the students, staff, parents, Board of Education members, and community members."
Ms. Scheinman was appointed to replace Communications Director Terry Ryan, APR, who retires on June 30.
Student Fees Set for 2025-26
Student registration fees will remain mostly unchanged for the 2025-26 school year. The student registration fee, charged to support the curriculum materials, will be $145 for grades K-5 and $150 for grades 6-8. Each student is also charged a $10 technology fee.
Transportation fees will be increased to help offset the escalating contract costs. The transportation fee will increase $16 per year for a single rider to $575, $13 per year for a second rider, or $448, and $9 for a third rider or $320.
Director of Learning Receives State Award
The Board of Education congratulated Michelle Jackson, Director of Learning for being recognized as one of the top educators in the state through the 2025 Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel honors program.
Ms. Jackson is a key administrator supporting teaching and learning. She oversees curriculum resources, instructional strategies, mentoring and the gifted and talented program.
As a recipient of the Award of Meritorious Service in the Those Who Excel program, she is recognized for having gone above and beyond in service to her school communities.
“They are experienced educators who take on leadership opportunities and whose accomplishments uplift the culture of learning in their school. They stand as exemplars of their profession and have become integral members of their schools and districts,” according to the statement released by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kris Raitzer nominated Ms. Jackson for the award.
“Whether it's providing support to a teacher, mentoring a colleague, or advocating for a student in need, Ms. Jackson is personally dedicated to making a difference,” Dr. Raitzer said. “She has a deep understanding of curriculum development and implementation and is able to effectively engage teachers, administrators, and community members in the process.”
Want to Know More?
Livestream/Archive Video
The Board of Education meetings are live-streamed on the District 28's YouTube Channel. The live streams are also archived for later viewing.
Next Meeting is March 11 at 7 p.m.
The Board of Education meets in the HOH Community Room at District office, 1475 Maple Ave., Northbrook. The meetings are also live-streamed on the District 28 YouTube channel.
Visit Northbrook28.net for more information.