CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – At Monday night’s meeting, the Champaign Unit 4 School Board encountered a wave of public concern following its decision to begin the search for a new superintendent and a permanent principal for Booker T. Washington (BTW) Elementary.
Several community members spoke passionately about the importance of maintaining racial justice and equity in the district’s leadership decisions. Minnie Pearson, President of the NAACP Champaign County, cautioned the board about the potential removal of Superintendent Dr. Shelia Boozer. Parents also voiced support for Cecily Thomas, the current interim principal at BTW.
The board ultimately voted 6 to 1 to direct staff to issue a request for proposals to hire a search firm for both positions. Discussion on administrative appointments, originally on the agenda, was postponed. The board will reconvene Thursday at 5 PM to resume deliberations.