Lake County Gazette

Eddie “Coach” Weinhaus, an activist judicial reformer, is voicing his concerns about transparency within the North Shore School District 112 following an incident where hidden cameras were found in boys' bathrooms at two different schools attended by his children.

The hidden camera incident, which has caused an uproar among parents and the community, was initially reported earlier this month. A juvenile student was taken into custody for allegedly planting the cameras, and the district is collaborating with law enforcement on the investigation, according to a press release.  

Weinhaus questioned the district's failure to offer more information about the personnel involved in the case shortly after he received a Feb. 14 letter from the district that highlighted staff changes without mention of the camera incident.  

"It's a wonder how a district could be so tone deaf to the issues parents care about. Tell us who got fired," he told the Lake County Gazette. 

The letter, signed by Superintendent Dr. Michael Lubelfeld and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Monica Schroeder, shared news of two district administrator appointments, set to take effect in July 2025.

Dr. Michael Rodrigo, currently serving as the director of personnel services, will be recommended for the position of assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. 

Rachel Filippi, currently the district's student services coordinator, is slated to become the executive director of personnel services.

District leadership expressed gratitude for the contributions of Dr. Kevin Ryan, who has served as assistant superintendent for teaching and learning for the past eight years. 

"Dr. Rodrigo is expected to build on the foundation laid by Dr. Ryan and his team," the letter states. 

The district emphasized its commitment to supporting staff by promoting two highly successful former NSSD 112 principals into these key leadership roles. 

"Dr. Rodrigo is recognized for his care and enthusiasm for improving student outcomes, while Ms. Filippi is known for building a positive culture, selecting and retaining talented staff, and supporting leaders through challenges," the letter noted. 

The district’s silence on the ongoing investigation into the camera incident has prompted concerned parents to demand more transparency and accountability. 

Weinhaus is among those who feel the district should be more open with parents, particularly with regard for school safety. 

Weinhaus has a history of advocating for safer schools and standing up for parents and their children. 

In 2008, he spearheaded a parent-led protest in St. Louis County’s Parkway schools in response to a student-orchestrated event called “Hit A Jew Day,” where harmful activities were aimed at Jewish students. The protest drew national attention to the school district's failure to adequately address the severity of the situation.