The safety and security plan at Northbrook District 28 includes assessment, action plans and evaluation as it pertains to three main categories: behavioral threat assessment, facility security and response protocols. 

Dr. Jason Pearson and members of the administration provided an overview of the district’s plan and next steps at the regular meeting held Aug. 23. 

There are multiple sources that help inform the district’s planning and monitoring process, Dr. Pearson said. A safety audit that was conducted in 2019-20 is guiding a multi-year plan of enhancements and improvements. Director of Student Services Dr. Kelly Sculles discussed details of the district’s efforts to support student social and emotional development and behavioral health. Director of Buildings and Grounds Joel Gallegos and Chief School Business Official Jessica Donato outlined security improvements in school buildings and Communications Director Terry Ryan described emergency response protocols.

Next Steps

“It is important to understand that this is a continuous improvement process as a district,” Dr. Pearson said. 

The Board of Education will set priorities and determine next steps in the coming months.

“We need this conversation today because we are a neighbor to a community that suffered a gun violence tragedy. Today we are coming to this place as survivors of trauma or secondary trauma that happened just 15 minutes from here. This isn't just an academic discussion. There is a desire and motivation to see if we can escalate the timeline,” said Board President Tracy Katz Muhl. 

She said the board and administration will continue to try to maximize the amount of information shared with parents while keeping important details private so as not to compromise safety measures. A Safety and Security webpage will serve as a resource for the community.

“Every bit of information I can have as a mom is helpful,” Katz Muhl said.

The Board of Education approved the following educators for the 2022-23 school year. The  new staff were in place for the first day of school.:

Emily Kalfen – Speech Language Pathologist, Young Explorers (part-time)

Emily Kalfen has worked as a speech language pathologist for 10 years, most recently at Montessori Academy of Chicago. She has a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Mary Pehar – 8^th Grade Math, NBJH

Mary Pehar joins District 28 with eight years of experience as a middle school math teacher at a Chicago charter school. Most recently, she served as a long-term sub at Avoca District 37. She earned a master of business administration degree from Loyola University and a bachelor’s degree in math from the University of Illinois.

Marieli Urquiza-Trujillo -Spanish, Meadowbrook

Marieli Urquiza-Trujillo earned a bachelor’s degree in world languages from Elmhurst College before launching her career as an instructional assistant. She was a student teacher at Marquardt Middle School and was a Golden Apple Scholar in the Class of 2020. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College in world languages.

Doris Portugal – Spanish, Meadowbrook & Math Interventionist, NBJH

Doris Portugal comes to District 28 with 22 years of experience. Ms. Portugal spent her career thus far at George B. Armstrong School of International Studies in Chicago Public Schools. She earned two master’s degrees, one from Northeastern Illinois University and one from Concordia University. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago.

See a directory of new staff for 2022-23

Superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson visited classrooms on the first day as part of back-to-school activities (above) and Meadowbrook Principal Ericka Garza greeted families during Meet the Teacher day (below). Both administrators joined the District 28 team on July 1.

District 28 is sponsoring a community blood drive from 9 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 at Greenbriar School.

There are still slots available! Click on the flier to sign up through the QR code and read how important blood donations can be from those who know: two District 28 colleagues and their battles with cancer.

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