Last night, the
@NSSD112
BOE appointed me as the next superintendent, effective 7/1/2026. I’m humbled, honored, & excited to continue serving this outstanding organization. The people make this place the best. Check out 👇🏼 what they gifted Walter!
#dogsof112leads
#112Leads
So, this 3 pound guy came home last night. Jason & I ❤️ football, so he’s named after Walter Payton. He’s not as fast but we anticipate that he’ll be as sweet as his namesake. Hope
@NSSD112
staff takes time to relax, have fun, & find joy!
#MeetWalt
#shihpoo
#112leads
Wishing all the superintendents in Illinois superpowers as they figure out what to do with school this week as we face the polar vortex.
#KeepCalm
#Suptchat
Occasionally educators experience what I call emotional terrorists who try to hijack weekends by sending lengthy emails airing their grievances. Remember, they’re not happy, it’s not about you, you have control over how this impacts your time. Choose family/friends over email!
Congratulations to my dear friend, Dr. Trisha Kocanda, who was appointed Superintendent of Fremont School District 79 tonight. Thrilled for the students, staff, & families that she will serve!
Submitted my final project to
@niugradschool
this morning and completed all of the coursework to obtain the CSBO endorsement. Ready to study for the test next. TY
@CWildmanCPA
for serving as my intern supervisor. 🙌
@NIUEducate
#112Leads
My heartaches for our
@NSSD112
community. Continuously thinking of the victims & their families, staff, Ss, first responders, & healthcare professionals, & our community. Please utilize these resources if needed.
#112Leads
Dear
@NSSD112
staff & leaders, please take time to rest & recharge this weekend. Caretakers put so much into supporting others, it’s now your time to exhale. Thank you for all that you do on behalf of our community.
#112Leads
Happy Boss’s Day to
@mikelubelfeld
! Thanks for all of the laughter, inspiration, support, and the high expectations you set to make us each better and to continuously improve our organization. We are so grateful that you’re our
@NSSD112
superintendent.
#112Leads
Overwhelmed by the outpouring of congratulatory posts, texts, & emails. I’m grateful for so many who have taught me life lessons. Humbled to receive this award from an organization of leaders who mean so much to me. I ❤️ what I do & being recognized for it is humbling.
#112leads
Today
@_IASPA_
announced Deputy Superintendent,
@Mschroeder6
as the 20-21 recipient of the Personnel Administrator of the Year Award. We congratulate her and thank her for nearly two decades of service to
@nssd112
! Read more
#112Leads
Words cannot express how grateful I am to the
@_IASPA_
Recognitions Committee, the nominator of this award, extensive IASPA PLN, & the
@NSSD112
staff who I learn from daily. I’m humbled and honored. Thank you!
#iaspachat
#iaspa20
#112leads
Thank you! I’m touched by the outpouring of support & kind words. Honored to continue my service on the
@_AASPA_
board in this new role. Beyond grateful to be part of 3 amazing organizations
@_IASPA_
@NSSD112
&
@_AASPA_
. Thrilled to do great things for Ss, staff, & communities!
Happy Boss’s Day to
@mikelubelfeld
! I have the great pleasure of watching his leadership in action every day! I ❤️ learning from him, hearing him roar w/laughter, & his unwavering commitment to student growth. We are so fortunate that he’s our
@nssd112
supt!
#112leads
My wrists hurt from typing, neck is sore from being on Zoom too much, & my mind is racing w/ideas. Another day in the life of a leader planning for the restart of school. I feel good knowing that I’m not alone. We have an excellent
@NSSD112
team!
#BetterTogether
#112leads
Reflecting on how I’m planning to tackle next week. 1.) Sleep more 2) Up water intake 3.) Reduce carbs 4.) Take moments to celebrate small wins 5.) Give myself a bit of a break & slow down. Grateful for my family, colleagues, PLN, & friends.
#WeGotThis
#BetterTogether
#112Leads
✔️Ran over 3.25 fast miles on the frigid trail this morning ✔️ Changed my Twitter title to reflect my hard earned doctorate degree. TY
@LcglickmanLynn
for the nudge. ✔️Read
@mikelubelfeld
’s blog. Ready for the day! Let’s make it a great
#SelfCareSunday
#112Leads
As I call final admin candidates that aren’t selected for a postion, I often share w/them that I was turned down 2X by other districts before
@mikelubelfeld
offered me my 1st admin position 13 yrs ago as an AP in
@NSSD112
. Rejection provided me time to reflect & learn.
#112leads
Ran 16 miles in the heat & humidity. It was tough, but I broke it down into small chunks and adjusted as needed. The run reflected on how I’ve been managing most tasks lately. Step by step. Glad I kept going to prove to myself that I can do hard things.
#112Leads
Merry Christmas from our family to yours
@NSSD112
! Grateful for this time to relax, reflect, & have some fun. Sending ❤️ to our family, friends, & colleagues.
#112leads
What a week! Proud to work in
@nssd112
. We’re led by the incredible
@mikelubelfeld
who’s bold, steadfast, & caring. TY
@nytimes
for interviewing him. Tough times call for leadership & proud to have witnessed this in action.
#112leads
And this... “Teaching isn’t just what she does. It’s who she is. For you educators, it’s a great day for you all! You’ll have a teacher in the White House!” -
@JoeBiden
on his wife,
@DrBiden
.
Today we announced that Louis Kotvis will be the
@Edgewood112
principal next school year. Louis is an incredible relationship builder. We are excited to see him continuing developing & supporting staff in his new role.
#112Leads
@MrKotvis
You ARE who you hangout with. The people you spend the most time w/impact you. Be intentional & select 5 people who you can count on & influence you in positive ways. Who can you learn from? Transformational leaders never stop learning.TY
@MaTt_MaYbErRy
.
#ILjac19
A1. I started kinder speaking only Spanish & was extremely shy. My best teachers built a positive relationship w/me & made me feel comfortable. I wanted to do the same for Ss as a teacher. In my HR role, I seek to select staff who know how to build relationships.
#suptchat
14 mile marathon training run this morning. Decided to run from my house in
#libertyville
to
@NSSD112
in honor of our New Teach Orientation which starts on Monday. Visited 6 out of 10 schools but will hit the rest as I increase my mileage.
#112Leads
@WayneThomasscho
@Edgewood112
In 9 days I’ll run a race that I last ran 16 years ago. I’m nervous & excited about this event. I’ve physically practiced for what lies ahead. Now, it’s about mentally preparing to get the job done & have fun. Time to soak in the streets of Chicago & roar of the crowd.
#112Leads
The four stars on the Chicago flag each represent an important moment in the city’s history, and this medal will represent the return to the
#ChicagoStartLine
after 728 days. We’ve missed you and can’t wait to give you this new bling 🏅
#MedalMonday
Honored to have been inducted into the Education League of Illinois yesterday. Inspired by fellow inductees, sponsors, and members. Grateful to join this talented team of public education leaders and excited to learn from this strong professional network.
#112Leads
I spent 6 hours planting yesterday! What a great day to be outside. Also, just in time for the rain. I can’t wait to see these little ones grow up!
#112Leads
A special delivery from the
@NSSD112
personnel office is being sent to the homes of our employees who are new parents. Can’t wait to meet the babies!
#112leads
So much fun today! Love the spirit, the laughter, the smiles, and the joy throughout the day. TY
@NSSD112
staff for making this so special for our Ss.
#112Leads
Today I got to bring these two back to where they met. Beginnings & endings are important to acknowledge. Grateful for
@PattySamuelian
’s profound impact on us. TY
@GuySchumacher
for taking time to celebrate this special soul today. The gift of time is priceless!
#112Leads
Just finished the BOE meeting. Watching
@nbcchicagonews
w/
@mikelubelfeld
. Difficult decision to make an adaptive pause to our hybrid learning model. Proud of our supt for making this pivot. Hoping for a decline in incidence rates to return to hybrid soon.
#WearAMask
#112Leads
TY
@grable_maria
@RodeMartha
@MrsJamieKahn
for holding me accountable via
@voxer
to complete our 21-day gratitude team challenge. Shared that I’m grateful for my marriage. 17 yrs today which has given me ❤️& allowed me to grow. Fortunate to be married to this guy!
#112Leads
Millie Parsons by far outdid herself in donning orange today for our
@NSSD112
Orange Frog training. We love her spirit! She is Spark! The Ss at
@otmonarchs
are in for a treat this year with her as a dual language teacher. We can’t wait for them to meet her!
#112leads
So incredibly proud to see
@DaleFisherEdD
ascend to the
@_AASPA_
presidency. For nearly a decade, I’ve known that his impact would transcend the HR world beyond
@DPS109
. We are all so fortunate to learn from this skillful leader and outstanding human.
#AASPA22
As I complete HW for my CSBO coursework, I recall my dad working on his undergraduate degree in accounting when I was little. Working at a gas station & later a chemical plant in later years while attending
@DePaul
at night. He never complained. Good perspective.
#Roots
#112Leads
Ready to be back at work tomorrow! I’ve decorated, cooked, organized, completed homework, spent time with family, and rested for several days now. I cannot wait to get back to work, see our Ss and staff, & catch up with colleagues. Excited for this week!
#112leads
I vowed to not volunteer for anything new since I’m a bit overextended, but
@casas_jimmy
asked a favor to review his new book. HONORED! And, of course I’M IN! Now I can’t put his book down, "Live Your Excellence - Bring Your Best Self to School Every Day.” I’m hooked!
#112Leads
Remembering, reflecting, & thinking about our
@NSSD112
staff, Ss, & families today. Feeling many emotions as I reflect on this past year & today. Grateful to work in our organization and in Highland Park & Highwood w/ such caring people. Wishing you all a safe day.
#112Leads
Going to miss these early morning runs in Springfield. Fantastic time for reflecting on our learning & the connections made during
#ASuperWeek
. Grateful to
@mikelubelfeld
and the
@NSSD112
board for supporting my professional and personal growth.
#BetterTogether
#112Leads
Watched
#TheLastDance
. Couple of thoughts. 1. Recruit & select the best talent out there. 2. It takes extreme focus to succeed (& ability to not be distracted from your goals). 3. Support your team. 4. Collaboration (unity) & culture of high expectations is essential.
#112Leads
Struggled to get out of bed for a morning run, but I did it. ✔️”The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger.”
@JamesClear
Cannot wait to see 40 new
@NSSD112
teachers starting on Monday! Special thank you to
@Val_Kilen112
for the incredible communication, planning, & organization. Thank you also to T&L, student services, technology, & the maintenance teams for all your heavy lifting too!
#112Leads
RT: Please consider supporting my candidacy as the Region 2 Representative for
@_AASPA_
. Voting opens on Monday, August 8-11 for all AASPA members.
#iaspachat
I just signed up for this free summit because, why not?! Looks like a worthwhile, positive opportunity to learn and grow. Check it out
@NSSD112
#112Leads
#IASPAchat
.
I’m really looking forward to presenting another year for such a great event —The Power Of Positive Summit, alongside so many other great thought leaders. A special thanks to my friend
@jongordon11
and his team for making this happen.
As we open schools this week, I ask that we take a deep breath & practice flexibility as we are about to embark into a school yr like no other. I’m confident that we will overcome obstacles & learn from issues that arise. I ask that we also celebrate the “wins” ahead.
#112Leads
Grateful for 1. Time at the Lake Bluff Farmer’s Market this morning. 2. Quite paddle around the lake to reflect on what lies ahead. 3. Amazing dinner at home thanks to the guy that I met 24 years ago tomorrow. What are you thankful for
@NSSD112
?
#112leads
7 miles on a new trail thanks to
@BriantKelly2
. Love running to breathe in fresh air, clear my head, & accomplish a personal goal for the day.
#getoutside
#112Leads
Look who’s joining
@NSSD112
! Dr. Efrain Martinez! Absolutely thrilled that the board of education approved the contract of
@EMartinezEdD
to serve as the principal of
@nwhuskies
effective 7/1. We cannot wait for him to meet all of the Ss, staff, & community.
#112leads
A3. Yes, I've reflected on Simon Sinek's words, “Most of us live our lives by accident—we live as it happens. Fulfillment comes when we live our lives on purpose.” I've learned that I must keep pushing myself to be present. Time at home has helped.
#iledchat
#112leads
Excited to announce that Sydnee Walder, current instructional Coach for Student Services, will be the
@IndianTrailScho
Associate Principal effective 7/1/23. As an alumna of Indian Trail &
@NSSD112
, we’re excited to see her serve our Ss in this new capacity.
#112Leads
@Swalder4
3 Easy Ways to Get and Stay Inspired! Try a brisk walk at lunch or during a break. Write a note to recognize someone for their kindness. Listen to a podcast. I’m a big fan of
@JayShettyIW
.
#112leads
#wellness
1/2 Ran this morning & heard someone hot on my heels. Pulled back & let them pass. Thought, I’ll drop back at least 6 feet to give HIM space. About 100 yards later, while wearing my
#RBG
tank, I thought about what I had done. I took off sprinting & thought enough is enough.
Another outstanding HR leader from our
@_IASPA_
crew will go on to impact an outstanding organization in so many positive ways as a superintendent. Congratulations
@tbonuma
! We’re thrilled for you and
@Maine_207
!
#IASPa
Dr. Tatiana Bonuma
@tbonuma
was hired by the Board of Education this morning as the next Superintendent of Maine Township High School District 207 following a national search.
#207now
#207lead
#207learn
Happy Friday! Can’t wait to go back to
@BraesideSch112
and support our staff & Ss today! Checkout the beautiful bulletin board that the PTO created for Dia De Los Muertos.
@MollyBayless
captured how I perfectly matched it yesterday. 🙌
#112Leads
The Happiness Advantage books are being shipped out today to
@NSSD112
staff who signed up to read the book this summer. 130 people have joined this amazing opportunity. Please RSVP by the end of the day tomorrow to receive a book. We’re thrilled to learn together!
#112Leads
I’ll admit it. I’m committed to way too much right now. So for all who are working full-time, taking multiple graduate courses, saying “yes” to many volunteer opportunities, while trying to be a good person for your family & you...here’s a poem from
@withlovecleo
for you.
Early morning run on the trails this morning! I’ve never run on the snowy and icy trails until today. Yep, I’m becoming a year-round runner. I love it! 🙌❤️
#getoutside
#112Leads
When I have a tough day, I reflect on my “why.” There are nearly 4,000 Ss who are counting on me to do so & ensure that the most talented & positive staff are there for them to ensure that they learn & grow this entire school year. Our Ss deserve the very best. Always.
#112Leads
“Courage is the root of change-& change is what we’re chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding back. No more subscribing to others’ opinions of what you can & cannot achieve…Don’t allow your talents to lie dormant...”
#112Leads