CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Champaign Unit 4 School District Board held its third special meeting Thursday night to decide the future of Superintendent Dr. Sheila Boozer, but what started as a routine vote quickly descended into chaos.
In a tense and at times volatile session that included yelling, a near physical altercation, and emotional public comments, the board voted 5-2 to approve a separation agreement with Boozer. They also appointed Dan Casillas as acting superintendent until an interim can be selected.
Though both decisions were expected, the night took a dramatic turn after intense back-and-forth exchanges between board members and the audience, many of whom voiced strong support for Boozer. Opposition continued as board members Justin Michael Hendrix and Grace Kang cast the two dissenting votes against both the separation and the appointment of Casillas.
As the meeting neared its conclusion, tensions boiled over. Audience members shouted over board members, and one man attempted to rush Board President Tony Bruno after former Board President Gianina Baker spoke out from the crowd.
Bruno later confirmed Boozer would remain on paid administrative leave until her contract expires in June 2026. He stated the finalized agreement would become public and still requires Boozer’s signature to take effect. Boozer did not attend the meeting.