
D28 Board Update June 2025

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Meadowbrook Gymnasium Construction Plans Advance
Plans are moving ahead for the construction of the Meadowbrook gymnasium. Dr. Jason Pearson said the district has been working with the village since January to meet all of their expectations.
Key issues addressed in the zoning application include:
Minimum setback requirements: The gym is planned to be constructed 47 feet from the back property line. The minimum setback requirement is 40 feet. The placement of the new gymnasium has been carefully considered while taking into account numerous constraints, such as proximity to property lines, existing legacy trees and student instructional needs. This thoughtful process ensured that the addition integrates with the existing structure, while also providing a plan for seamlessly adding the new school structure in the next phase without interrupting school operations and displacing students during construction.
Stormwater detention: The plan calls for constructing underground stormwater detention facilities that meet or exceed the requirements of the village and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
Legacy trees: Many of the large, legacy trees bordering the school property will be preserved. We are trying to save as many as possible. The landscaping plan includes planting trees around the perimeter.
The Village Board of Trustees approved the zoning variances at their regular meeting, which was also held on Tuesday. Dr. Pearson said construction of the gymnasium will help address space issues that the school has been dealing with for the past several years while the new school is being built. The gymnasium is expected to be complete by next spring, and construction of the new school will begin in 2026, with the school ready for students by August 2027.
The district has also been working to address the concerns of residents living around the school's perimeter, aiming to minimize disruptions in their neighborhood from construction traffic, noise and parking.
Construction Traffic and Parking: The district is working with the construction company to provide on-site and off-site parking that will have a limited impact on the neighborhood, including prohibiting construction parking on adjacent neighborhood streets. Construction traffic will be restricted during arrival and dismissal times and work schedules will adhere to the village’s noise ordinance. The district is also working with the contractor on how to safely enclose the construction site, while maintaining access to the walkways on the north and east sides of the property for families who walk to school.
“We understand the frustration some of our neighbors have, but we believe when it is complete, the new gym and new school will benefit the entire community. It’s important that we move forward to fulfill the promises we made to the community,” Dr. Pearson said.
Construction Timeline
August 2025: Meadowbrook gymnasium construction begins
February 2026: Meadowbrook gymnasium completed
& construction of the new Meadowbrook School begins
April - June 2026: NBJH, Westmoor & Greenbriar Phase 1 construction begins
Feb. - April 2027: Westmoor, NBJH & Greenbriar Phase 1 construction completed
August 2027: New Meadowbrook School completed
February 2028: Greenbriar Phase 2 completed
Each construction area will be enclosed and separated from students, staff, and daily school activities during the construction projects.
Board Approves Intent to Withdraw From Special Ed Co-op
The Board approved a resolution declaring tentative plans to withdraw from TrueNorth Special Education Cooperative 804. Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson assured the Board that all services and support provided to students through the cooperative will continue without interruption during the 2025-26 school year and comprehensive planning will occur to ensure continuity of services for families moving forward.
“Our Number 1 priority is to ensure continuity of services for families receiving services from TrueNorth,” Dr. Pearson said. “We want to prioritize the needs of the district and students and flexibly respond because needs change year to year. It’s a nice opportunity to have a fresh look.”
Dr. Pearson also noted that several member districts are actively collaborating to evaluate future models of service delivery, as a potential dissolution of the cooperative is set to be voted on at next week’s Leadership Council meeting at TrueNorth. This would be a multi-year process, currently estimated to last approximately three years. In support of this transition planning, Dr. Kelly Sculles, Director of Student Services, is working closely with neighboring districts to explore opportunities for shared support.
STAFF UPDATES
New Educators Hired for 2025-26
The Board of Education approved the appointment of the following certified personnel for the 2025-26 school year.
Stephanie Wojciak - Foundational Program Assistant and Community Liaison, Greenbriar and NBJH
Ms. Wojciak is a social worker who earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She completed a one-year school social work internship in June at Community Consolidated School District 21.
Elizabeth Massa - Special Education Teacher, NBJH
Ms. Massa is a Learning Behavior Specialist I who earned a bachelor’s degree in special education at McKendree University. She was a teacher for five years at Ombudsman Educational Services.
Maura Crisham - 5th-Grade Teacher, Westmoor
Ms. Crisham has a master’s degree in teaching from North Park University. She taught for the past two years at St. Norbert School. She previously worked as a classroom assistant for District 28.
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 on July 22
The Board of Education's next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. on July 22 in the HOH Community Room at the District Office, 1475 Maple Ave., Northbrook. The meeting will be live-streamed on the District 28 YouTube channel.