Both finalists for the new Peoria Public Schools superintendent were too good to let go.
The Peoria District 150 Board of Education approved Jerry Bell as the new school superintendent effective July 1. The other finalist for the post, Renee Andrews, will assume the newly-created position of deputy superintendent.
“What a journey. What a journey,” Bell said at Monday’s meeting. “I am truly, truly humbled. As someone who believes in giving back and giving forward, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. You have bestowed in me the confidence — the rituals, if you will — of the office of superintendent, and believe you me, I’m not going to disappoint."
Both new administrators have history with the district.
Bell was the district's executive director of middle schools from 2015-23. Andrews is assistant principal and 504 coordinator at Peoria Richwoods High School and an adjunct professor at Bradley University.
The new team will replace Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, who is retiring after serving as superintendent for the past 10 years.
The contracts run through 2029. Details of the compensation packages were not immediately available.
Bell said he asked the board to consider a deputy superintendent position during the interview process.
“Having someone who can be my second-in-command, to be a thought partner, someone with whom I can build trust and help guide the district. I am phenomenally pleased.”
He was particularly pleased with Andrews’ selection.
“During my eight years here, I think four of five of those I was Ms. Andrews’ executive director of middle schools … and so having the opportunity to work directly with Ms. Andrews again in this capacity of her being my right-hand person, great things are going to be on the horizon,” he said.
Andrews echoed the sentiment.
“This role is not about one person, it is about partnership. And I look forward to partnering with Dr. Bell. I believe deeply in working together, listening, learning and collaborating across schools, departments and communities.”
Her focus on community input echoed that of Bell, who said an important part of the 100-day entry plan he presented during the interview process was listening. He said he plans to host town hall meetings as well as meeting with community and business leaders.
In a news release issued immediately following the meeting, board president Gregory Wilson said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Bell and Dr. Andrews to their new leadership roles. Their combined expertise, dedication, and understanding of our community’s needs will ensure a bright future for our students and staff.”
Not unanimous
While there were no “nays,” board members Brenda Wilson and Christina Rose abstained during the vote.
They said board members received information about only some of the candidates, and were denied more details. Other districts such as Rockford, Springfield, Decatur and Quincy shared much more detail about superintendent candidates, they said.
“I will continue to be a supportive and dedicated school board member to the best of my ability, and I will support our new leadership the best I can, but I feel this process has been disingenuous and lacked integrity from the very beginning and that is why I will be abstaining,” said Rose.
Fourteen people applied for the job. Consulting firm From the Heart eliminated six because they didn't meet the application requirements; the remaining eight were interviewed and screened for references.
Four of the eight were recommended to the school board on Dec. 11, and three were interviewed by the board Dec. 16.
District 150 has more than 13,000 students, nearly 3,000 employees and 29 school buildings.
