In this issue:
Byrne named next Glenbard South principal
On Feb. 10, the Glenbard District 87 Board of Education appointed Sean Byrne as the next principal at Glenbard South High School, effective July 1, 2025. Byrne will become principal after South Principal Jessica Santee assumes her new role as District 87 Superintendent on July 1.
Byrne has served as Glenbard South’s Assistant Principal for Instruction since 2021. He was recently recognized in December as Assistant Principal of the Year for the DuPage Region by the Illinois Principals’ Association. Previously, he was the Department Chair for Science, Technology and Engineering at Glenbard West for 10 years.
“It is with great excitement and Raider Pride that I step into the role of Principal of Glenbard South High School,” Byrne said. “Over the past four years, I have come to understand what a special community our school is. As principal, I plan to foster an environment where all students are empowered to reach their full potential, faculty and staff are supported in their professional growth, and the community is engaged in our school’s success. We have an incredible team at Glenbard South and I am truly humbled by the opportunity to lead our continued growth.”
Superintendent David Larson said, “Mr. Byrne’s credentials and qualities as an educator make him an ideal fit as South’s principal. He has wide-ranging and successful experiences as an assistant principal, department chair and teacher. We are excited to welcome him to the leadership team here in Glenbard.”
Byrne is currently pursuing his doctorate in educational administration leadership from Aurora University. He earned a master’s degree in school leadership from Concordia University (Ill.) and a master’s degree in teaching from University of Portland. Byrne received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College in biology (pre-med) and philosophy.
Prior to his arrival in Glenbard, Byrne was the science department chair at Homewood-Flossmoor High School from 2009-11. In the classroom, he was a science teacher at Downers Grove South High School (2007-09) and St. Ignatius College Prep (2000-07).
Byrne also worked extensively with The College Board to support the AP Seminar program. He served on the Development Committee, as a reader and APSI consultant (2015-21).
Crosstown Classic Food Drive Competition occurring Feb. 10-21
This year marks the seventh-annual Crosstown Classic Food Drive Competition to benefit the Glen House Food Pantry. Every year, Glenbard South and Glenbard West compete for the coveted Crosstown Classic trophy in an effort to support those in need. Please consider contributing to our efforts by sending in non-perishable items with your student from February 10-21.
Multicultural Night coming up on Feb. 20
Glenbard will be hosting its fourth-annual Multicultural Performance Night from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20 at Glenbard East’s Biester Auditorium. Admission is free.
This incredible event is a student-led collaboration among clubs from all four high schools in District 87. Its mission is to celebrate and showcase the beauty of cultural diversity, bringing students and families together through performances and shared experiences.
This year, the theme is “Sailing the Seven Seas”, highlighting the connections between the four high schools within District 87.
Live Life Well Week 2025: Embrace Joy and Kindness!
Glenbard students and staff will celebrate Live Life Well Week 2025 from February 17-25. This week will focus on skills that build strong relationships and healthy habits.
This year’s theme is “Embrace Joy and Kindness to Live Life Well.” Students for Students (SFS) along with Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and school staff have planned special events to highlight the importance of self-compassion, gratitude and a sense of community. Ongoing activities are planned for Positive Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thoughtful Thursday and Food & Fun Friday. Many strategies for physical and mental wellness will be shared to empower students in the classroom and in life.
The annual event will kick off with “Make a Difference Monday” on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 17th. All students are invited to volunteer to make fleece blankets for children with cancer. The event will be held at the Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Erin Pompa will speak on “Awakening Your Warrior Spirit” in partnership with the DuPage County Health Department. Pizza and supplies will be provided by the Advocating Character Through Service (ACTS) Parent Committee.
In addition, Duncan Kirkwood will bring humor and high energy to student assemblies, inspiring students to unlock their potential with purpose and perseverance. Kirkwood will also present to the community in a hybrid program, as part of the GPS Parent Series on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. at Glenbard West. A community resource fair with free health assessments and giveaways will precede the presentation at 6:15 p.m. Details and hybrid link can be found at GPSParentSeries.org.
GPS Parent Series speaker to share how to enhance attention, focus and performance
Glenbard South Principal Jessica Santee is reading “Peak Mind” by former Glenbard South student Dr. Amishi Jha. Dr. Jha comes to GPS for two Zoom webinars on Feb. 18 at noon and 7 p.m.
Dr. Jha will help us train our brains to pay attention more effectively, focus without all the struggle and take back our attention amidst the pull of distractions.
Please share information about GPS with friends and relatives, and be sure to follow GPS on social media. Visit the upcoming events page on the website for more information about this event and to view other scheduled programs.
Highlights of Feb. 10 board meeting
Board Highlights feature a brief description of the action items and discussion items on the meeting agenda. Board Highlights do not replace minutes. The minutes are approved by the board and posted after the next regularly scheduled board meeting. Present: Margaret DeLaRosa, Kermit Eby, Rosemarie Montanez, Martha Mueller and Jim Shannon. Absent: Bob Friend and Hetal Lee.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:
THE BOARD APPROVED:
– administrative appointment. The Glenbard South Principal search process has now been completed. Administrative team members, parents and staff interviewed the candidates and provided valuable input. Questions during the three rounds of interviews were focused on the Glenbard Profile of an Educator, the Profile of a Graduate and other district initiatives. On Monday night, Sean Byrne was appointed as Glenbard South Principal. He will begin his new role on July 1, 2025.
– the January 27, 2025 regular meeting minutes and closed session minutes.
– the following personnel items:
LICENSED STAFF – EMPLOYMENT:
Name School/Position FTE Effective Date
Giardini, Kent North / Special Ed Building Admin 100% 08/11/2025
LICENSED STAFF – RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS:
Name School/Position Effective Date
Fridlund, Joyce North / Art Teacher 05/23/2025
SUPPORT STAFF – RESIGNATIONS/TERMINATIONS:
Name School/Position Effective Date
Wilson, Darrell South / Instructional Assistant Lunch Intervention 01/31/2025
– accepting the following donations: Carol Stream Youth Travel Basketball, $1,000.00 to boys basketball at North. Carol Stream Youth Travel Basketball, $1,000.00 to girls basketball at North.
– four excursions.
– 3DK9 contract. In the December 16, 2024 update on safety and security measures in Glenbard schools, canine weapon detection was discussed. A contract with 3DK9 describes the scope of the work starting in June 2025 and running through July 2026. The rate of $59.50 per hour includes a highly trained handler and a specially trained dog patrol to detect and alert staff of the existence of dangerous materials. This measure can be implemented at the four high schools, both Transition program sites, the Directions program and the district office buildings.
– Lombard Park District and Glenbard East turf intergovernmental agreement. In 2012, the board agreed to an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Lombard Park District to cost share the installation of a synthetic turf surface at Glenbard East. The agreement calls for the park district to pay 50 percent of the replacement cost of installation of a new turf field.
Glenbard East maintains priority use for the school day and all Glenbard East extracurricular activities. The park district works with the school district to reserve time for their programming which benefits the broader community. A scheduling process takes place no less than annually to ensure clear communication takes place. The partnership has been extremely valuable to both organizations.
Administration from the Lombard Park District, Glenbard East and District 87 have met to talk through any contract language changes. Only minor changes have been made to the original contract and it has been reviewed by both parties’ legal counsel.
Installation of the new turf will take place as part of the summer 2025 construction projects. The park district will provide their share of the payment ($326,149) within 30 days of our final invoice on the project. Board approval of this contract will complete the partnership through 2036.
– resolution to approve preparation of the 2025-26 budget. Each year, the board is required to authorize the superintendent and/or assistant superintendent for finance & operations/CSBO to prepare the budget as required by School Code 105/ILCS 5/17-1.
– campus security services contract extension. Prudential Defense Solutions, Inc. has proposed an extension for continued security services for the 2025-26 school year. Prudential partners with the Glenbard schools and staff to provide monitor/security services at North, East, South and West campuses. The rate of services increase is 2.9 percent.
– policies and procedures for second reading and adoption. 4:10-AP1 Budgeting Procedures; 4:10-AP2 Procedure Revisions [delete]; 4:30 Revenue and Investments; 4:30-AP1 Investments; 4:30-AP2 Procedures for Recording Interest; and 4:30-AP3 Permissible Investments Under the Public Funds Act [delete].
BOARD INFORMATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS INCLUDED:
– summer 2025 capital improvement projects – Wold/Gilbane bid package #2. Several items related to exterior work for summer 2025 were not included in the previous bid package due to the timing and planning process necessary to complete specifications. Bids were received on January 31, 2025. The items included in this package are:
Glenbard South tennis courts: The tennis courts at South are in need of replacement. During site review and planning, it was determined that it would be best to relocate the tennis courts to the upper south field. This shift will improve the playability (increased size) for practice fields that will shift to the current tennis court location.
Glenbard South baseball/softball dugouts: The dugouts for both baseball and softball are in need of replacement and looking to add storage and press boxes. The press box portion was bid as an alternate price.
Biester Fieldhouse parking lot: The parking lot at Biester Fieldhouse is in need of repair. While scheduling this repair, it is a great time to extend the sidewalk along the fieldhouse to the east up to Ellyn Avenue, creating a safe place for the students to walk.
Glenbard East: A temporary work area/haul road along the building is needed. This was not included in the original scope since there was no excavation work to bundle this with.
Glenbard North: A girls’ softball dugout renovation and press box was bid as an alternate price. The dugout is in need of being repaired and we added a press box similar to Glenbard South. This is a much smaller scope than previously designed and bid.
The recommendation is to proceed with construction of the tennis courts, dugouts, inclusion of press boxes, and lower-level soccer field relocation at Glenbard South; softball dugout and press box at Glenbard North; Biester parking lot renovation and sidewalk addition at Glenbard West; and the temporary work and access road at Glenbard East, per Gilbane’s recommendation letter to award.
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