CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — A District 3 town hall co-hosted over the weekend by Champaign City Councilwoman Shauna R. Clayborn and Champaign Unit 4 School Board member Justin Micháel Hendrix brought together residents, educators and elected officials for an in-depth discussion on issues affecting local neighborhoods and families.
The town hall focused on strengthening communication and collaboration between city government and the school district, while giving residents an opportunity to raise questions and share concerns directly with leaders.
Agenda items included community updates on tax increment financing districts, District 3 development projects and crime, as well as housing concerns involving Champaign apartments, Country Brook and homeowner associations. Neighborhood services such as Holiday Park, Round Barn, and Ridgewood were also discussed.
Education was a central focus of the event, with school spotlights highlighting Kenwood Elementary, Jefferson Middle School and Centennial High School. Attendees also heard a year-in-review presentation covering the district’s strategic plan, student data and a special education audit.
A Champaign Unit 4 update addressed the superintendent search, the district’s Moody’s credit rating, policy changes and upcoming contract negotiations.
Hendrix, the only Unit 4 school board member who resides in District 3, emphasized the importance of intergovernmental cooperation and maintaining open lines of communication between city leadership and the school district. He said the town hall underscored how governing bodies can work together as a system focused on solutions rather than separation.
Several local and state officials attended the event, including State Rep. Carol Ammons, Champaign County Clerk and Recorder of Deeds Aaron Ammons, Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams, Deputy Champaign Mayor Will Kyles, Champaign City Council member Davion Williams of District 1, Brett Peugh of the Champaign County Board, and former Champaign School Board Member Heather Vasquez. Champaign Unit 4 families and District 3 constituents were also in attendance.
Hendrix and Clayborn thanked residents for their thoughtful questions and engagement, noting that discussions around student-centered approaches, transportation, transparency, and educator awareness remain critical to future decision-making.
Clayborn’s leadership and commitment to District 3 were also highlighted during the event, with both co-hosts expressing optimism about continued collaboration and future town halls aimed at strengthening outcomes for the entire community.