Monica Schroeder Named Next North Shore School District 112 Superintendent

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — With more than two years before an anticipated transition in leadership, the North Shore School District 112 board has lined up its next superintendent, announcing the impending promotion of the outgoing chief executive's deputy.

Mike Lubelfeld announced last month that he plans to retire as head of the 10-school district after the conclusion of the 2026 school year. District officials on Sunday announced that the board has picked Deputy Superintendent Monica Schroeder to succeed him.

Lubelfeld started his career in school administration as principal of Elm Place Middle School, and as an assistant superintendent, before becoming superintendent of Pennoyer School District 79 in Norridge and then Deerfield School District 109. He returned to District 112 in 2018.

“Serving our students, families, and staff members for the past six years as your superintendent has been an honor and a privilege,” Lubelfeld said in a statement. “It has been a humbling experience to lead this exceptional district where I first began a career in school administration."

The outgoing superintendent said he plans to spend the next two years working with the board on strategic planning to set Schroeder up for success with a clear and coherent plan.

District officials highlighted some of Lubelfeld's accomplishments during his tenure, including modernizing facilities, working through the COVID-19 pandemic and the July 2022 mass shooting, prioritizing equity initiatives and earning a pair of National Blue Ribbon awards.

Board President Lisa Hirsh thanked Lubelfeld for his leadership and commitment to District 112.

“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 siad. "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.”

Schroeder will become the first Latina superintendent in the history of District 112, which was formed in 1992 by the merger of three other district. She has worked for the district for nearly 20 years, including as an associate principal, principal and assistant superintendent.

She received a chief school business official endorsement from Northern Illinois University in 2021 and has previously served as the president of the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators and is currently the president-elect of the American Association of School Administrators.

“We are excited about this new chapter in North Shore School District 112,” Hirsh said, announcing in a letter to the community that the board will formally approve Schroeder's appointment at its June 11 meeting.

“Her outstanding contributions and evident leadership qualities have consistently been on display during her tenure here,” Hirsh said. “We eagerly anticipate the positive impact her leadership will bring and the bright future ahead for our district.”

According to the letter, Schroeder has been deeply involved in major district initiatives, among them labor contract negotiations, supervision of construction projects and community engagement efforts like the passage of the $114 million bond referendum in 2022.

“I am truly honored and excited to be appointed as the next superintendent of North Shore School District 112,” Schroeder said.

“Over the next two years, I look forward to working closely with Dr. Lubelfeld to ensure a smooth and seamless transition," she continued. "I am eager to collaborate with our dedicated staff, engaged families, and vibrant community to ensure that every student has the resources and opportunities to thrive.”