S1 Ep. 23 Leadership in Crisis: Lessons from the Highland Park Tragedy

Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore School District 112, shares leadership insights from the 2022 Highland Park mass shooting and its impact on school safety. Mike discusses how his district’s response was shaped by years of relationship-building with local government, law enforcement, and mental health partners. He explains how trauma-informed care, communication, and community collaboration were central to recovery efforts. 

This episode also covers the district’s safety upgrades including physical security fortifications, behavioral threat assessments, and the integration of AI tools with ethical safeguards. Mike emphasizes the importance of locked doors, honest conversations with staff, and empowering student voice in school safety decisions.