Endorsed Candidates for District 27 Board
Shobha Kansal, PhD
I have called Northbrook home for over five years, where my husband Jagan and I are raising our two sons. I recently earned my PhD in Sociology, where my academic interests included the sociology of education and how institutions shape opportunities for children and families. I am excited to bring that sociological lens–grounded in research, data, and an understanding of families and communities–to service on the District 27 Board of Education.
As a District 27 parent, I am actively involved at Hickory Point through the PTA and in the broader Northbrook community through my leadership with Cub Scout Pack 463. I also serve as President of the Parent Volunteer Council at Countryside Day School. In addition, I have two years of nonprofit board experience and currently serve as Board President of Beautifully EmpowHERed, an organization focused on empowering women and girls. Professionally, I have over 15 years of experience in corporate America, including leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and Kraft Heinz. Today, I work as a CPG consultant and fractional executive, helping organizations navigate complex challenges and make strategic, data-driven decisions.
I am genuinely passionate about preserving District 27's tradition of excellence while helping our schools thoughtfully evolve to meet the needs of students, families, and our broader community.
Jack Waddle
Jack was born and raised in Northbrook and attended District 27 schools from kindergarten through 8th grade. Jack has a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and a M.A.T. in Secondary Education - Social Studies from National Louis University. In 2012, Jack moved back to Northbrook with his family and is now a proud District 27 parent.
For the last 13 years, Jack has been teaching high school social studies and for the last five years, has been the Social Studies Department Chair at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein. At Carmel, Jack also coaches the Mock Trial team and is an advisor for the National Honor Society.
For the last four years, Jack has been honored to serve on the District 27 School Board and has been the Board representative on the district's technology committee. Since 2025, Jack has also served on the Governing Board for True North Special Education Cooperative as District 27's representative. Jack believes there is great value in having an educator's perspective on the school board and hopes to continue his service to District 27 for the next four years.