Superintendent
The superintendent is the District’s executive officer and is responsible for the administration and management of the district schools in accordance with Board of Education policies, directives, and state and federal law.
Leadership Transition Announced at November 25 Board Meeting
At the November 25, 2024 school board meeting, Vice President Peter Glowacki and Superintendent Dr. Charles Johns shared information about a planned change and transition in district leadership.
Superintendent Johns announced his intent to retire from Glenbrook High School District 225 as of June 30, 2026. “This is a decision I have been contemplating for several months,” Johns said. “It was an honor for me to serve this district and community, and it is time for me to step aside and allow others to lead this exceptional district.” Johns further stated, “The board and administration have thoughtfully considered the best way to transfer leadership to the next superintendent. I am very enthusiastic about the future of the district.”
With Dr. Johns’ decision to retire, it was important to the board that we continue pushing forward while maintaining our high standards and commitment to excellence. “It gives me great pleasure to announce tonight that Deputy Superintendent Dr. R.J. Gravel has been named as superintendent-designate and will follow Dr. Johns as the next superintendent of Glenbrook High School District 225, effective July 1, 2025,” Glowacki said.
District 225 Superintendent
Prior to his role in the Glenbrooks, Dr. Johns most recently served as the superintendent of West Chicago Elementary District 33 and has previous experience as an assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction for Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205. He began his career as an English teacher in Township High School District 214 where he went on to spend almost 20 years in administrative roles including assistant dean of students, dean of students, associate principal and principal.
Dr. Johns earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Teaching from University of Iowa, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University.
Contact Information
- Phone: (847) 486-4700
- Email: cjohns@glenbrook225.org
Resources
Superintendent-Designate
Dr. R.J. Gravel will assume the role of Superintendent for Glenbrook High School District 225 on July 1, 2025. A dedicated educator, he has served the district in various leadership roles, including Deputy Superintendent, Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services, and Director of Technology Services. Prior to joining Glenbrook, he served as the Director of Instructional Technology at Johnsburg School District 12, where he focused on integrating innovative instructional practices. Dr. Gravel’s commitment to the Glenbrook community runs deep, and he embraces this role with enthusiasm and gratitude for the trust placed in him.
A proud alumnus of Northern Illinois University, Dr. Gravel holds Doctorate and Master's degrees in Instructional Technology, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration. He has also earned additional graduate degrees in Educational Leadership and School Business Management. As an active member of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials, he regularly presents at state and national conferences on topics impacting school leadership and educational administration. Dr. Gravel is passionate about fostering trust, collaboration, and innovation in education, ensuring that Glenbrook High School District 225 continues to thrive. Committed to excellence across academics, athletics, activities, and the arts, he looks forward to working alongside students, staff, families, and the community to build an even brighter future.
Contact Information
- Phone: (847) 486-4745
- Email: rgravel@glenbrook225.org
Resources
Superintendent Transition Activities
Dr. Gravel has set aside a number of activities over the next two months for engagement with the community. Some of the activities are specifically designed for people to meet and greet Dr. Gravel, while others are designed to be informal opportunities for students and families to get to know him. Currently, the events listed below have been targeted as formal and informal opportunities.
Table 1: Upcoming Superintendent-Community Engagement Activities
| Date and Time of Event | Description |
|---|---|
|
Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. |
Dr. Gravel joined the Communications Committee |
|
Monday, December 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. |
Dr. Gravel attends a press conference with students in GBS Journalism classes. |
| Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. | Dr. Gravel will attend the Multilingual Learner Orientation at GBS. |
|
Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. |
Dr. Gravel attends a press conference with students in GBN Journalism classes. |
|
Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. |
Dr. Johns and Dr. Gravel will attend the GBS Winter Play: Fargo. |
|
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. |
Dr. Johns and Dr. Gravel will attend the GBS Winter Band Concert |
|
Monday, December 16, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. |
Dr. Johns and Dr. Gravel will attend the GBS Annual Art Consortium Opening Reception. |
|
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. |
Dr. Gravel attends the GBN Winter Showcase Art Exhibit. |
|
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. |
Board of Education hosts a Welcome Reception to meet Dr. Gravel 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the District Office. Special guests will include GBN Express (at 5:30 p.m.), GBN Principal Mrs. Hughes, and GBS Principal Dr. Georges. |
| January 2025 |
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|
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. |
Dr. Johns and Dr. Gravel will attend the GBN Parent Association meeting to begin engagement with parents. The meeting will be held on Zoom. |
|
Thursday, January 16, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. |
Dr. Gravel will attend the GBS Incoming Freshman Curriculum Night. |
|
Thursday, January 16, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. |
Dr. Gravel will attend the GBN Incoming Freshman Curriculum Night. |
|
Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. |
Dr. Johns and Dr. Gravel will attend the GBS Parent Association meeting to begin engagement with parents. |
| Wednesday, January 29, 2024 at TBD | Dr. Gravel will attend the Northbrook Junior High School course request event for incoming freshmen. |
|
Thursday, January 30, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. |
Dr. Gravel will attend the Attea Middle School course request event for incoming freshmen. |
|
Friday, January 31, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. |
Dr. Gravel will attend the 2024 Northbrook State of the Village address. |
| .Friday, January 31, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. | Dr. Gravel will attend the Loyalty Day assembly at Glenbrook North. |
| Saturday, February 1, 2024 | Dr. Gravel will attend the ILMEA All-State Concerts in Peoria. |
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