Just over two weeks after Superintendent Michael Lubelfeld announced his retirement plans, the North Shore School District 112 Board of Education announced Sunday the selection of his successor.
Monica Schroeder, who has worked as deputy superintendent since 2018, will begin the new role on July 1, 2026, as Lubelfeld indicated he will retire at the end of the 2025-2026 school year.
Over the next two years, Schroeder said she will work closely with Lubelfeld to ensure a, “smooth and seamless transition.”
“I am truly honored and excited to be appointed as the next superintendent of North Shore School District 112,” Schroeder said. “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.”
Schroeder, who has “extensive experience in education” as both a teacher and administrator, will be the district’s first Latina superintendent, according to a press release from the Highland Park elementary school district.
Upon learning of Lubelfeld’s retirement plans, the Board of Education initiated the succession planning process. The board decided that a formal search for a new superintendent was unnecessary after an evaluation of Schroeder’s performance and formal and informal interviews, according to a spokesperson for the district.
The board opted not to consider any external candidates, according to district officials, making this an internal search process.
Board President Lisa Hirsh said the board is excited for this “new chapter” in the district, and that Schroeder’s appointment will be officially approved at the June 11 board meeting.
“Her outstanding contributions and evident leadership qualities have consistently been on display during her tenure here,” Hirsh said in her announcement letter to the school community. “We eagerly anticipate the positive impact her leadership will bring and the bright future ahead for our district.”
For nearly two decades, Schroeder has worked for District 112, serving as an associate principal, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent, the press release said.
According to Hirsh, the board sought several critical qualities in the new superintendent, such as leadership expertise, exceptional communication skills, effective relations with unions and an understanding of educational practices.
Hirsh’s letter highlighted Schroeder’s involvement in district initiatives, including labor contract negotiations, supervision of construction projects and community engagement efforts, such as the successful 2022 referendum. Schroeder has also made substantial contributions to the district’s diversity and equity work, the release stated.
Schroeder earned her doctorate from Northern Illinois University in 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from DePaul University, and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Northern Illinois.
In 2021, Schroeder received her Chief School Business Official endorsement from Northern Illinois. She also served as the president of the Illinois Association of School Personnel Administrators and is the president-elect of the American Association of School Administrators.
chilles@chicagotribune.com
