The Peoria Public Schools Board of Education will wait at least two weeks before hiring a search firm to lead the way in selecting a replacement for outgoing Superintendent Sharon Kherat.
A vote to approve hiring From The Heart International Educational Services was included on the consent agenda for Monday’s regular board meeting. That action was pulled from consent and tabled until Aug. 28 on a 4-3 vote.
Board member Christina Rose said actions already taken by From The Heart gave her reason for concern.
“They have demonstrated a lack of integrity by posting this position prematurely, without receiving board approval,” said Rose. “The posting was not only premature, but it was inaccurate regarding the number of students, the number of buildings, and the requirement of the superintendent to reside in Peoria.”
Rose went on to say that employing From The Heart would damage the board’s credibility.
“I want to know how From The Heart came to believe that they were already chosen when that’s what we’re supposed to be deciding tonight. It seems that they were already told they would be providing this service,” she said.
“If we want to offer PPS the best candidates, we need to select a search firm with the most experience, and that has experience working with large school districts because we are not like some of the surrounding districts around us that are one-school districts.”
Several community members spoke out against the proposed hiring during the public comments portion of the 90-minute meeting.
“My concern is not about delay for its own sake. It is about ensuring the decision is made transparently, lawfully and with full public engagement,” said Mary Beth Cunningham, who noted she has contacted the Illinois Attorney General’s Office regarding a possible violation of the Open Meetings Act.
“The public has not been given key information, such as the contract cost or clear outline of deliverables. I’m not coming to say we shouldn’t have this firm. I’m coming to ask for transparency in other major contracts.”
Rose was joined by board vice president Paris McConnell, Lynne Costic and Brenda Wilson in voting to table the action.
Kherat will leave her position next June after 11 years as superintendent and more than 40 years with the district. She has indicated a preference for a new superintendent to be chosen by the first few months of 2026, to give her time to assist her successor in getting up to speed.
