March Board Update
New Greenbriar Principal, Referendum update, SEL report
District 28 will host two more informational sessions for the public, one in-person and one virtual, to share building plans and financial information about the April 1 building referendum.
The first in-person session was held in the afternoon on March 11.
“At our first community session this afternoon we had some great conversations,” Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson said. "This is a good forum to talk with community members and answer questions.”
The next in-person session will be at 7 p.m. March 18, and a virtual session will be held on March 20. The district sent a direct mail flier to all residents last week that included an invite to the public sessions. A 2-minute video was released and shared with all parents through the referendum update e-newsletter and to the general public through the website, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
The April 1 ballot initiative is asking voters to approve a $94.9 million bond referendum that will provide funding to build a new Meadowbrook School and improvements at Greenbriar, Westmoor, and Northbrook Junior High.
The district is updating Frequently Asked Questions on the referendum website to address issues as they are raised by residents.
“It is important that all residents take the opportunity to vote on this building plan,” Dr. Pearson said. Early voting opens at Village Hall on March 17 and continues until March 31. Polls are open on April 1 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The district has funded repairs, maintenance and additions with operating funds since 1984. But the level of repair and maintenance that is needed to keep the buildings in ideal condition for the next 10 years requires more investment than the district can fund with existing revenues. All of the schools are 60 to 75 years old and are suffering the same types of expensive repairs and replacements of building systems at the same time.
Meadowbrook is operating above its capacity design. The school was built to accommodate three sections per grade and there are five sections in two grades and four sections in two others. In addition, education has changed tremendously over the last 60 years. Making updates now will provide improved learning environments for today’s students and future generations. Improvements include upgraded security, accessibility and expanded elementary lunchrooms to accommodate a hot lunch program.
For more details, please visit northbrook28.net/referendum.
Public Open House
An in-person public gallery walk is scheduled at Northbrook United Methodist Church, 1190 Western Ave., Northbrook.
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.
The Board of Education approved the appointment of Danielle Moran, Ed.D., as the next principal of Greenbriar School, effective July 1.
A dedicated educator with 24 years of experience, Dr. Moran brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for fostering excellence, equity, and inclusivity. A lifelong learner, she has received multiple degrees and endorsements in higher education while working in leadership roles at the school and district levels.
Her selection followed a thorough search process, beginning with community feedback that shaped the ideal candidate profile, administrative interviews and a parent/teacher interview team. Dr. Moran replaces Dr. Ginny Hiltz, who, after leading Greenbriar for nine years, will be principal of Meadowbrook School.
“The Greenbriar community identified that they wanted someone who is student-centered, a strong educational leader and who demonstrates warmth and empathy toward others,” Dr. Pearson said. “Dr. Moran comes to Greenbriar School with a broad background in curriculum and instruction, distinguished experience as a principal, and a deep understanding of supporting and sustaining a positive school climate and culture.”
“When we met Dr. Moran we were so excited about the possibility of her bringing her experience, warmth and enthusiasm to Greenbriar. We know she will continue to foster the strengths of our unique and inclusive community,” said Jennifer Moore and Betsy Decker, members of the staff interview team.
Dr. Moran has worked at Wheaton Warrenville District 200 since 2013 where she was an elementary school principal for seven years and Director of Elementary Instruction for the past five years. She was also an elementary school principal in Yorkville for three years. She began her career as a classroom teacher for seven years in Bensenville District 2. She served as a guest speaker and mentor to beginning teachers and was a PTA volunteer and parent liaison to the bilingual parent outreach program at Addison Trail High School.
“I am truly honored and excited to be the next principal of Greenbriar School. I sensed right away that this was a special place, with a strong feeling of belonging and a dedication to maintaining high standards in growth and learning. I look forward to working alongside the talented team of educators, students, and families to continue building on the strengths at Greenbriar,” Dr. Moran said.
She earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy and a superintendent’s endorsement at Northern Illinois University. She holds two master’s degrees from Concordia University, one in education administration and one in curriculum and instruction. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Augustana College.
