District 112 looks to longtime administrator to replace retiring superintendent

North Shore School District 112 has tapped deputy superintendent Dr. Monica Schroeder to be the district’s next superintendent of schools.

The School Board is set to approve her promotion on June 11, according to a media release from the district.

Schroeder, who will begin her new role on July 1, 2026, has served as deputy superintendent of District 112 since 2018 and previously worked as a principal, assistant superintendent and associate principal in her nearly 20-year district career. According to the district, Schroeder will be the first Latina superintendent in the district’s history.

“I am truly honored and excited to be appointed as the next superintendent of North Shore School District 112,” Schroeder said in a statement. “Over the next two years, I look forward to working closely with Dr. (Michael) Lubelfeld to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. 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.”

Lubelfeld announced in May that he was planning to retire following the 2025-’26 school year, following eight years as the district’s leader.

Through nine schools, District 112 serves approximately 4,000 pre-k- to eighth-grade students who live in Highland Park, Highwood and Fort Sheridan.

According to School Board President Lisa Hirsh, in its next superintendent, the board was looking for leadership, communication skills, negotiation experience and educational-practice knowledge.

Schroeder holds bachelor’s (elementary education, DePaul), master’s (educational leadership, Northern Illinois) and doctorate (Northern Illinois) degrees and also received a Chief School Business Official endorsement from Northern Illinois, the district says.

She has 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.

“(Schoeder’s) outstanding contributions and evident leadership qualities have consistently been on display during her tenure here,” Hirsh wrote in a letter. “We eagerly anticipate the positive impact her leadership will bring and the bright future ahead for our district.”

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Subscribe to The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a subscriber? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.