Students Recognized

for Math Competitions

The Board of Education recognized two Northbrook Junior High students for their accomplishments in math competitions.

Matthew Ciancanelli, top right, was the champion of the Math Competition for Students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing through the Rochester Institute of Technology, suprassing 1,600 competitors through four rounds of virtual competition. The 8th-grader captured first place in a tie-breaking round by solving an equation in about 30 seconds on Wednesday, March 23.

Liana Malishkevich, bottom right, also in 8th grade, scored in the top 5% of students nationwide in the AMC 8 competition, sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. She was also the top scorer at NBJH. The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute, multiple-choice examination in middle school mathematics designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills.

Edward Brophy has been named District 28’s new Director of Human Resources. Mr. Brophy is currently the Assistant Superintendent of Operations at Forest Park District 91, a position he has held for 15 years. Prior to that he served as the Director of Business Services for Winfield District 34. He has a master’s degree from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and most recently received a program certificate from the Harvard Business School Analytics Program.

Mr. Brophy was selected from a pool of 38 applications and two finalists. As a finalist for the position, Mr. Brophy was interviewed by a team of administrators and teachers in addition to incoming superintendent Dr. Jason Pearson, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kris Raitzer and Dr. Larry Hewitt. His contract begins July 1.

Mr. Brophy will oversee human resources services including recruitment, training and development of staff; state compliance and employee evaluation systems; employee compensation and benefits; and workplace safety and cybersecurity. 

“Members of the interview team found Edward to be approachable, optimistic, a problem-solver, and someone who values listening to others,” said Dr. Larry Hewitt in recommending his appointment to the Board of Education. “His skills will be a valuable addition to the district.”

Teachers Sharpen Skills with Summer Learning

The District 28 Summer Professional Learning program provides opportunities for the staff to engage in learning through the summer, often sharing expertise and pursuing interests together.

Staff members are surveyed for topics and have the option to sign up for any combination of courses that supports their individual goals and interests. The board approved the program which has 29 offerings available throughout the summer. Most sessions are led by District 28 staff members. External consultants that are hired to lead sessions are funded through federal Title I and Title II grants.

The following certified staff candidates were approved by the Board of Education for the 2022-23 school year.

Jenna Garcia – Orchestra 

Jenna Garcia will join the district’s orchestra directors after serving as interim orchestra director at James Cooper Middle School in Buffalo Grove since January. Ms. Garcia earned her bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst University. While at Elmhurst, she served as chapter president of the American String Teachers Association and chapter vice president of the National Association for Music Education.

Carrie O’Connell – Reading Specialist, Meadowbrook

Carrie O’Connell brings 19 years of experience as an educator to the reading specialist position at Meadowbrook, serving students in all grades. Ms. O’Connell has worked in a similar position at Evanston/Skokie District 65 since 2008. She was a first-grade teacher for five years prior to that. Ms. O’Connell is a Glenbrook North alum who received her bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and a master’s degree from National Louis University.

Frederick Yoon – Science, NBJH

Frederick Yoon will join the Northbrook Junior High science team after spending the previous six months as an instructional aide at Glenbrook North High School where he supported students in Physics, Intro Chemistry and Earth Science. Mr. Yoon has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education and neuroscience from Lake Forest College. Mr. Yoon also coaches girls and boys high school gymnastics.

The HOH5K returns next Saturday, May 7. Registration is still available on Friday, May 5 or at same-day registration which opens at 7 a.m. For information, please visit HOH5K.org.