Glenbrook High School District Welcomes R.J. Gravel as New Superintendent

R.J. Gravel has officially stepped into the role of superintendent for Glenbrook High School District 225, marking a significant transition for the educational institution as the new academic year commences. Having spent a decade within the district in various leadership capacities, Gravel aims to build upon the nearly 80 years of academic excellence that the district has cultivated.

Gravel takes over from interim superintendent Charles Johns, who will continue to support the district until June 2026. Johns will oversee the completion of critical initiatives, including a review of the special education program and updates to board policies. Gravel, who previously served as deputy superintendent for two years, emphasized the importance of community engagement in his new role.

This year, Gravel intends to prioritize listening to the voices of families, staff, and students. “We want to hear from our families and we want to hear from our staff and our students. What’s working well for them, where do we have areas for growth?” he stated. He plans to engage with the community through various platforms, including in-person meetings and associations, ensuring that feedback directly informs the district’s strategic plan.

Fostering Community Connections

Gravel’s approach includes participating actively in meetings organized by Parents’ Associations, music and athletic boosters, and the Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee. “We’re going to be showing up to a lot of those sessions and meetings, not necessarily with an agenda, but just to say ‘Hey. Here’s what’s going on right now. We’d love to hear your feedback,’” he explained.

The district’s commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive environment continues this year, building on initiatives launched previously. At Glenbrook North, the Class Act program, focused on values such as acceptance and respect, has been relaunched. Meanwhile, Glenbrook South continues to reinforce the Titan Values initiative.

Following a controversial incident last spring involving a yearbook quote that many perceived as antisemitic, the district mandated training for staff to address issues of bigotry and discrimination. Gravel clarified that the ongoing focus on values-based initiatives is part of a broader commitment to supporting all students, rather than a reaction to any single event.

Addressing Key Challenges

Gravel is also prioritizing initiatives aimed at enhancing student and staff connection within the school community. One major focus is the sense of belonging among students and staff, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued. “We’re all part of a family and we’re all here to support each other through good times and challenges,” he stated.

Another critical area of focus will be addressing chronic absenteeism through proactive engagement with parents. This effort not only aims to improve attendance but also allows school officials to identify families who may require additional support.

In terms of funding, Gravel highlighted the district’s ongoing awareness of changes in federal education funding. Recently, approximately $138,000 in federal funding owed to District 225 was among the funds released after being frozen during the previous administration. The district currently receives nearly $1.4 million in federal support for special education and Title 1 programs, which assist schools with high numbers of low-income students. Gravel noted that the bulk of District 225’s funding comes from local property taxes.

A notable addition this year is the opening of the new Transitions Services School, aimed at helping special education students aged 18 to 21 transition from high school to adult life. Located at 1200 Shermer Road in Northbrook, this 8,000-square-foot facility will serve approximately 80 students and includes essential resources such as a teaching kitchen and laundry area for life skills training.

At Glenbrook North, students will find newly remodeled restrooms and additional spaces designed for gathering and studying. Glenbrook South has also introduced improvements, including a newly installed floor surface in the field house. The district has implemented new communication strategies for parents regarding classroom policies, including a ban on personal phones and the requirement for students to use school-issued Chromebooks.

Gravel’s journey within District 225 began in 2015 as director of technology services. He has since advanced through various leadership roles, including assistant superintendent for business services, associate superintendent, and deputy superintendent. His experience also includes teaching at Waubonsee Community College and Northern Illinois University.

As the new academic year unfolds, Gravel encourages students to engage actively within the district, advocating for enthusiasm across academics, activities, the arts, and athletics. “Get involved and nudge others to do the same,” he advised, aiming to foster a vibrant school community.