Northbrook School District 27

Board Briefs

Board Briefs: January 22, 2026

Shabonee Social Studies Presentation

Several Shabonee students visited the Board of Education meeting on January 22 to highlight the school's Social Studies curriculum. Students in grades 3-5 are engaging in meaningful, hands-on social studies learning that builds global awareness, critical thinking, and civic responsibility. Third graders have been exploring global connections by making personal links to the world; fourth graders have focused on natural resources and sustainability; and fifth graders have been analyzing cooperation and conflict, using category sorting, infographics, and picture books to justify relationships between ideas. Across all grades, students are strengthening inquiry, collaboration, and communication skills through engaging projects.
 
Shabonee students at the Board of Education meeting

 

Satisfaction Survey Report from School Perceptions

Dr. Derek Gottlieb of School Perceptions presented summary results from the District 27 Satisfaction Survey at the Board meeting. Conducted biennially in the fall, the survey gathers feedback from district stakeholders on school climate, programs, and overall satisfaction.

Key highlights include:

  • Students: 94% reported feeling safe at school; 96% reported trying their best; and 97% reported having friends to sit with at lunch or play with at recess.
  • Staff: 91% reported feeling safe at work; 91% reported having healthy working relationships; and 93% reported having access to the technology needed to perform their jobs well.
  • Parents: 90% reported that their child feels safe at school; 91% reported clean, well-kept facilities and that staff treat their child with dignity and respect; and 95% reported they would recommend District 27 to a friend or family member.

Superintendent Dr. John Deiter noted that the District is continuing to analyze the full survey results to identify areas for improvement and inform future strategic planning. A more comprehensive report will be shared on the District website this spring.

January Professional Development Day Update

Dr. Katharine Olson, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, presented a report to the Board on the District’s professional development day held on January 16. The day was organized into four 90-minute blocks and featured 47 unique learning sessions across the District, Dr. Olson shared. All instructional staff participated in a session facilitated by Dr. Paula Kluth on joyful learning, emphasizing active, collaborative, and inclusive classroom experiences. Additional sessions covered a range of topics, including technology and artificial intelligence, social studies curriculum revision, math and reading instructional practices, primary reading curriculum implementation, and department/grade level-specific goals. Ongoing, year-long professional development aligns with the District’s Strategic Plan, ensuring professional learning directly supports key educational priorities. Dr. Olson extended gratitude on behalf of the staff to the Board and the PTA for their continued support of professional development days.