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Board Briefs March 2024

News and Highlights from the Board of Education meeting

Board Briefs March 2024 News and Highlights from the Board of Education meeting

Superintendent's Report

Strategic Planning Moves To Final Stage

Future Focus Strategic Planning
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The Strategic Planning Team is in the final stage of drafting a strategic plan.


The team met on March 14, one day after the board meeting, to review public input on the proposed Preferred Future Statement and develop goals and strategies that will guide the district for the next five to seven years.


The team refined the mission, vision and core values contained in the Preferred Future Statement and the Portraits of a Learner, Staff Member, Adult and System. Next they drafted goals and strategies to guide the district work for the next five years.


The draft strategic plan will be shared for public input in the coming weeks.

The Board of Education will also preview the draft in April. The final draft of the Strategic Plan will be presented to the Board of Education at 7 p.m. May 28th for approval.


The 52-member strategic planning team is made up of staff members, parents, students and community members. The district’s last strategic plan was created in 2017.


The reports and references used in the team’s work are available for public review on the Strategic Planning webpages. Watch for a survey to review the proposed strategic plan goals and strategies in the coming weeks.

New Technology Director Appointed

Maria Stavropoulos
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Maria Stavropoulos brings experience from working in a large high school district and a neighboring elementary district to her role as the Director of Technology.


Ms. Stavropoulos began as a technology administrator for Prospect Heights School District 23 in 2014. She worked with District 23 until 2022, when she joined Township High School District 214. She began her career as a middle school math and history teacher. She has a master’s degree from Roosevelt University in Teacher Leadership and Organizational Development and a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College in elementary education.


"I am privileged to join the Northbrook School District 28 community. My focus is on ensuring smooth technology environments that enhance students' learning journeys," she said.


Ms. Stavropoulos replaces Technology Coordinator Judi Epcke, who is retiring, on July 1.

Buildings & Grounds

Facilities Plan Long on Projects, Short on Funds

The Buildings and Grounds Committee reported on the first phase of studying and prioritizing projects in the 10-year Master Facilities Plan developed by DLA Architects.


The committee reviewed and prioritized projects based on safety/security, age/condition, health/life safety and building ‘envelope’ - projects to ensure the buildings are structurally sound and functional.


Chief School Business Official Jessica Donato said the district will be able to fund the highest priority work over the next 10 years. Projects totaling $19.7 million include roofs, windows, tuck-pointing, plumbing and electrical repairs, HVAC units, parking lots/sidewalks and other crucial items.


The review also eliminated $3.7 million in work that was redundant or less of a priority, Ms. Donato said.


The board will schedule a Committee of the Whole meeting to dig deeper into the remaining $56 million in additions, renovations and remodeling included in the plan.


“When we look at adding space, we don’t have money in the bank for that. We will need to look at other funding sources,” Ms. Donato said.

Summer Projects Get Rolling

In alignment with the 10-year Master Facilities Plan, this year’s summer projects target essential building maintenance. The district participates in purchasing cooperatives to secure large-ticket items and streamline the contract bidding process. Projects totaling $1.3 million include:


  • Roof replacement at Greenbriar School;
  • A large rooftop HVAC unit for Greenbriar and a smaller unit at Westmoor School;
  • Refinishing the gym floors at Greenbriar and Northbrook Junior High. As part of the intergovernmental agreement, Northbrook Park District will reimburse the district for 50% of the Greenbriar gym costs;
  • Remodeling the Greenbriar front office area to create two needed private offices and reconfigure the conference room and staff workroom, and
  • Update the HOH Community Room and reconfigure district office workspaces.

Grants Help Fund Data Infrastructure and Equipment

A federal grant will support expanding the district bandwidth, replacing aging wireless access points and improving the district firewall. Total cost of the three projects is $227,000, with the district paying $136,000. The “e-rate” grant is based on the number of low-income students in the district and amounts to a 40% discount in costs for the improvements.

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 April 23 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

Board of Education

Northbrook School District 28
https://www.northbrook28.net/