The Peoria Public School Board unanimously approved a $185,000 contract for Interim Superintendent Sharon Kherat. The meeting Tuesday sounded more like a homecoming for the former Manual Academy principal.
Several district employees and residents took advantage of the podium to wish Kherat a "welcome home."
Kherat shared the sentiment. She said the position carries personal meaning.
“This is not just a job for me in a new city, this is home," Kherat said.
Kherat says along with boosting business and community relations, reducing the district’s 13-million-dollar deficit is a top priority. Kherat left District 150 four years ago, amid a reportedly tense relationship with then Superintendent Grenita Lathan.
Unlike Tuesday's vote, the decision to appoint two weeks ago Kherat was split.
Board President Martha Ross says the disagreement was over the decision-making process, not about the candidate-for-hire.
“But I want to just let you know that all seven board members here are supporting the contract and Dr. Kherat moving forward," Moss said. "All of us are supporting her and want her to work hard for us, so we all look good.”
The interim post expires June 30 of next year.