DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) – In a show of unity and renewed direction, the Danville School District 118 Board of Education unanimously voted Tuesday night to appoint John Hart as Superintendent and Markesha Parker as Associate Superintendent. Both votes passed 6–0 and were met with standing ovations from those in attendance.
The move signals a fresh start for a district that has faced challenges over the past year, including the controversial departure of former Superintendent Dr. Alicia Geddis. Geddis had been absent from her post since last fall, citing harassment allegations that were not substantiated by local law enforcement or an FBI investigation. In spring, she officially separated from the district following a $500,000 settlement.
Hart, who has served as interim superintendent since Geddis’s departure, acknowledged the difficulties but expressed optimism. “This job has not been easy since I’ve been in it, and it only gets easier by the day,” he said. “I’m ready to move the district forward.”
Markesha Parker, a 1999 Danville High School alumna and longtime educator, also expressed her commitment to progress and transparency. “We will meet the challenges however we can—together,” Parker said. She urged the community to share concerns directly with district offices rather than on social media platforms.
Board President Darlene Halloran praised the new leadership. “This signals to the community that we are moving forward in a very positive direction,” she said, adding that the board is close to filling its one vacant seat.
In other business, Board Member Christopher Easton requested that the Treasurer’s Report be tabled pending further review of financial discrepancies from the previous board.
With new leadership in place and a full administrative staff nearly assembled, Danville District 118 is charting a new course for the upcoming academic year.