DANVILLE, IL (Chambana Today) – The Danville District 118 School Board voted on Wednesday night to appoint Assistant Superintendent John Hart as the district’s interim superintendent. Hart will step into the role while the Illinois Association of School Boards conducts a search for a permanent superintendent.
During the meeting, several Danville teachers voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for a strong leader who can actively support both staff and students. One speaker expressed frustration with the district’s handling of the absence of Superintendent Alicia Geddis, stating, “The lack of communication in the way we are handling the absence of our superintendent has failed our students.”
Superintendent Geddis has been working remotely for the past several months after a series of alleged threats prompted her to stop working in her office and attend school board meetings virtually. However, in November, the board decided she should return to on-site work. She continued to work remotely, citing safety concerns. In addition to the appointment, the board approved an amended employee agreement for Geddis, which is now subject to final approval by the state and the district’s legal department. Geddis has not attended school board meetings since the fall.
Additionally, the board voted 4-3 to discuss hiring a search firm to conduct a search for a new permanent superintendent.