General

Highland Park High School Neighborhood Meeting Meeting Notes 21 October 2025 Township High School District 113, 1040 Park Avenue West, Highland Park, IL Call to Order The meeting started at 6:01 pm Introductions • Chala Holland, Supt, SD113 • Holly Fleischer, Highland Park High School Principal • Matt Wallace, Asst. Principal • Mark Ribbons, Athletic Director • Lane Linder, Director of Safety • Jose Medina, Director of Facilities • Councilmember Jon Center, City of Highland Park • Ghida Neukirch, City Manager, City of Highland Park • Approximately 23 community members Meeting Purpose CM Neukirch provided an overview of the purpose of the meeting, overview of the advisory group and neighborhood meetings, and indicated that property owners within 800’ of Wolters Field and Highland Park High School (“HPHS”) were invited to the meeting, plus the meeting was promoted to the general public. Township High School District 113 (“District”) Report Safety and Security Report Measures underway and planned in and around the school, include: • Weapons detection. • GIS mapping of the school. • Working with the HP Police Department regarding traffic management. • Final stages of reviewing and updating the Emergency Operations Plan. • Completed 95-page safety and security assessment of HPHS, including interior and campus-wide areas. • Positive relationship with City and it’s Police Department; full time School Resource Officer in the school every day. Facilities Update • Started summer construction plans at HPHS and Wolters Field. The proposed construction plan will be presented to the School Board for approval. Athletics Update: • Successful season hosting athletic events. Hosted 4 Friday night home football games. • All lighting events met local regulations. • The noise regulations were also met, although HPHS representatives plus students and families expressed concern with the low volume of the noise level. Business from the Public • Jeff Gilbert stated he disagrees with the District’s compliance with the Wolters Field Special Use regulations. He indicated that the noise is very disruptive and can be heard clearly from his home. He suggested the direction of the speakers should be re-evaluated. • Rachel Garber shared concern about her family’s experience noting that the music cannot be heard at the present sound level, and the announcements are very low when attending her daughter’s Pom routine. • Rachel Lieberman shared her experience as a mom attending her children’s events at Wolters Field. She expressed concern with the limited use of the sound system that impacts students, families and community members. • Jonathan Bloom shared concern with the low volume and limited use of the sound system. • Camille Ramirez, Poms member and her mom Kristen Ramirez shared their perspectives citing challenges when they cannot hear the music on the field, and from the viewer stands. They shared their frustration and discouragement. • Other resident spokes about the importance of recognizing the commitment of the athletes and therefore the music should be heard; time limits should also be reviewed. Follow-up from the City and District It was stated that the Noise Control regulations set forth in the Special Use Permit states, “At all times, the District shall, to the greatest extent practicable, minimize the volume and noise emitted from the Public Access System”. The City’s regulations do not set forth specific noise levels, although over the years, a standard operating procedure had been established which is being adhered. The District again expressed concern with the low volume level that is set forth in the current procedures. The City and District suggested that the District establish a comprehensive plan for the use of the sound system in order to provide a quality student experience and taking into consideration the impact on the neighbors. Once an updated plan was drafted, it would be shared with the City for review, and then shared with the public for their feedback. The City and District thanked everyone for attending and sharing their concerns and recommendations. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm. Meeting notes prepared by City of Highland Park