Gregory Wilson is the new president of the Peoria Public Schools District 150 Board of Education, replacing Doug Shaw.
Wilson, the former vice president, assumed the top position during Thursday’s reorganizational meeting after being elected by the board.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with fellow board members as we continue to reimagine how education is presented. I value all of our students, families, and staff for Peoria public schools,” said Wilson, adding he wants to strengthen the board's relationship with the teachers and support staff, whom he called “American heroes.”
“I advise and encouraged for administration and our unions to work together successfully. I want to see trust and respect between all parties. I believe in our board and its ability to rise to the challenges that we face. It will take teamwork, communication and transparency to ensure we uphold our duties for all of our students and families.”
Shaw, who started his role as the new chair of Western Illinois University’s Board of Trustees on Thursday, will remain on the PPS board until his term expires in 2022. He said the COVID-19 pandemic changed his goals for leading the district over the past year, with his focus shifting to finding a balance between safety and quality education.
“We made, and I made, many unpopular decisions during this year,” Shaw said, alluding to the board’s decisions to implement remote and hybrid learning plans, canceling some events and activities, and adopting protocols for in-person instruction.
“I take full responsibility for the decisions that I made and for those outcomes, good or bad. Know that the decisions I made were what I believed were in the best interest of Peoria Public Schools and the community.”
Martha Ross, who has been on the board since 2001 and served three terms as board president from 2015-18, was chosen to replace Wilson as vice president.
“Some people say I've been here too long, and some say not long enough,” said Ross. “But I keep going because I'm here for the right reason: My passion is with children and the education of children. Coming from my background. I always wanted to make things better for our kids and our people.”
Mike Murphy was sworn in as the new District 3 representative following his victory over incumbent Dan Walther in the April election.
“As a parent of four children, three of which are in Peoria Public Schools, I do this for them. I do this for the families that we serve, not only in District 3, but in all of our districts,” said Murphy. “I'm here as a voice for those families, for the students, for the faculty.”
Walther called his time on the board “a very interesting five years,” adding he appreciated and enjoyed working with his fellow board members and Superintendent Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat.
“We have at times disagreed, but she's always been willing for me to come into the office, sit down, and do a face-to-face. I appreciate that,” said Walther.
