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Deerfield School District 109 hires new superintendent
Superintendent Mike Lubelfeld visits a second-grade classroom Monday while they learn to use iPads at Pennoyer Elementary School in Norridge. Lubelfeld is leaving the district at the end of the year for Deerfield District 109. | Rob Hart~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: January 18, 2013 8:07AM
DEERFIELD — Deerfield Public Schools District 109 has a new superintendent, after the board of education unanimously voted to appoint a local man to the seat.
Michael Lubelfeld, a Deerfield resident and District 109 parent, will succeed current superintendent Renee Goier when she retires on July 1 of this year.
Lubelfeld is currently the superintendent of Pennoyer School District 79 in Norridge and the former assistant superintendent for North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park.
“I know firsthand as an education professional and as a parent that District 109 is truly exceptional. Students in our schools thrive because they are afforded extraordinary educational experiences from outstanding administrators, teachers and staff,” Lubelfeld said. “I’m honored and excited to be the next superintendent of District 109.”
After Monday night’s board approval, Lubelfeld said he was excited to get started.
“I’m proud to be a parent and a community member and professional educator, so July will probably be here in the blink of an eye,” Lubelfeld said. “Every decision that we make has a profoundly personal impact as well, and I think that is a very exciting experience we’re about to have.”
He will be leaving a one-school district with an enrollment of 417 to go to a six-school district with 3,100 students.
“Right now I spin my chair and I’m pretty much having a cabinet meeting with myself,” Lubelfeld said.
School board president Ellen London said Lubelfeld was selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates. Extensive community input was taken into consideration as well, she said.
“The Board is certain in our choice of Dr. Lubelfeld, and confident that under his leadership District 109 will continue to be recognized among the best in the Chicago area — and in the nation,” London said.
Lubelfeld was also chosen for his “extensive experience with negotiations and buildings,” London said. That’s important with some of the issues big issues on the district’s plate, such as the master facilities plan to update aging buildings and install air conditioning. Lubelfeld said he is well aware of and “more than ready” to tackle those projects.
The district said it will schedule community-wide meet-and-greet events for the new superintendent in the spring and after he begins work at District 109 in July. He’ll get a three-year contract that’ll last through July 2016.
While Lubelfeld said he’d miss his old post in Norridge, he’s looking forward to taking on the new challenge.
“This is my opportunity to serve my home community,” Lubelfeld said. “My kids will be there for the next 10 years.”
Staff writer Cathryn Gran contributed to this story.
