Wight & Company is pleased to announce that Dr. Michael Lubelfeld has joined the firm as Senior Education Advisor following his retirement in July 2026 as Superintendent of North Shore School District 112 in Highland Park and Highwood, Illinois.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Lubelfeld has distinguished himself as an innovative educational leader, serving as a teacher, administrator, superintendent, author, speaker, and mentor. During his tenure at District 112, he guided a period of significant progress centered on student achievement, community engagement, strategic planning, and facility modernization. Under his leadership, the district secured voter approval of a landmark facilities referendum, enabling the transformation of multiple elementary schools into modern learning environments designed to support future-ready teaching and learning.

Wight was proud to partner with District 112 throughout this journey, providing architectural planning and design services that helped reimagine educational spaces across the district. Together, District leadership and the Wight team advanced a long-range vision for modern, flexible, student-centered environments that support academic success, collaboration, safety, sustainability, and community pride.

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North Shore SD 112 Northowood MS Groundbreaking 01

As Senior Education Advisor, Dr. Lubelfeld will help strengthen Wight’s connection to educational leaders and emerging trends while advancing the firm’s commitment to improving outcomes for students, educators, and communities. He will advise Wight’s PK-12 leadership team, support thought leadership and professional outreach initiatives, mentor staff, contribute to leadership development efforts, and help explore innovative approaches—including the use of emerging technologies—to enhance educational planning and design.

Dr. Lubelfeld is widely recognized as a thought leader in public education. He has served as a superintendent in Illinois since 2010 and is the co-author of several influential books, including The Unlearning Leader, Student Voice: From Invisible to Invaluable, The Unfinished Leader, The Unfinished Teacher, and Leading for Tomorrow’s Schools Today. A frequent keynote speaker and leadership coach, he is a respected advocate for student voice, culturally responsive leadership, community engagement, and continuous improvement. His contributions to educational leadership and innovation have earned national recognition.

I am excited to join a team that shares my passion for educational excellence and to help school leaders create learning environments that positively impact students, staff, and communities.

Mike Lubelfeld, Senior Education Advisor

“Wight has been a trusted partner in helping District 112 transform its schools and position the district for the future,” said Dr. Lubelfeld. “I am excited to join a team that shares my passion for educational excellence and to help school leaders create learning environments that positively impact students, staff, and communities.”

“Mike has been an exceptional partner, client, and friend of Wight for many years,” said Bradley Paulsen, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “His passion for public education, commitment to students, and deep understanding of what educational leaders need from their facilities, communities, and professional partners make him uniquely qualified to help guide our work. His perspective as a superintendent who successfully tackled a complex set of circumstances and led meaningful change will be invaluable to both our team and our clients.”

Wight & Company is excited to welcome Dr. Lubelfeld to the firm and build on a longstanding relationship dedicated to helping schools create inspiring learning environments, strengthen communities, and improve student outcomes. His experience, insight, and leadership will further enhance Wight’s ability to partner with school districts in developing solutions that are educationally sound, strategically aligned, and focused on the future.