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Kherat named District 150 superintendent

Cass Herrington
/
Peoria Public Radio

Peoria Public Schools selected a new superintendent, but the board didn’t have to look far for a candidate.

The now former interim superintendent Sharon Kherat will take the permanent position, effective immediately.

District 150 board members voted 6-0 to approve the appointment of Kherat as superintendent during a special meeting Tuesday, following an executive session. Board member Linda Butler wasn’t present for the meeting.

Sharon Kherat has been serving the interim position since July after leaving her position as associate superintendent for Danville Public Schools. Previously, Kherat spent 13 years working in District 150 as a principal at Manual Academy and a teacher. 

Kherat’s leadership in the interim role has been distinguished by her collaborative spirit. Leaders in civic and business communities call it a "new era" in the school district. Kherat says she’ll continue this work as the administration continues to face challenges, like a deficit and a growing list of upgrades.

“We may have to at some point determine what you’re going to keep and what you’re going to get rid of. There’s no more fat," Kherat said. "So we may have to look at even getting into the bones of it. But again, this will all be done collaboratively and the community will have input.”

The board hired a consultant for about ten thousand dollars to help conduct a formal search  that began in November.

Board President Martha Ross says the process was "democratic," but many of the 900 community survey responders collected said the district already had the leadership, Kherat, they wanted. 

"I'm relieved that people can now move forward with the work that needs to be done," Ross said. 

Kherat took the interim position in July with a starting salary of $185,000. She filled the seat vacated by Grenita Lathan, who resigned shortly after the board considered terminating her contract.