CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Three of 11 leadership team members have resigned as incoming superintendent Geovanny Ponce reshapes the district’s administration. The board hired Texas-based JG Consulting to find candidates for seven newly structured positions at a cost of up to $128,000.
Ponce, who officially starts July 1, described the cabinet redesign as a student-centered performance strategy rather than a simple personnel change. The new structure is intended to streamline leadership and ensure the district’s focus remains on improving outcomes for students.
Three cabinet members have chosen to resign, effective June 30:
- Linda Matkowski, Chief Business Officer
- Stacey Moore, Chief Communications Officer
- Henry Walker, Assistant Superintendent of Leadership
The remaining eight cabinet members will either transition to teaching roles or assume other positions within the district if they are not selected for one of the seven new leadership positions. Their assignments are detailed in the table below.
| Cabinet Member | Current Role | Next Assignment if Not Selected |
|---|---|---|
| Dan Casillas | Executive Director of Facilities and Services | Special Education Teacher |
| James Harden | Executive Director of School Improvement | High School History Teacher |
| Ken Kleber | Executive Director of Human Resources | Social Studies Teacher |
| Mike Lehr | Executive Director of Teaching and Learning | High School ELA/Social Studies Teacher |
| Suzanne Meislahn | Executive Director of Special Education | Special Education Teacher |
| Orlando Thomas | Executive Director of School Supports | Elementary Teacher |
| Rhonda Thornton | Executive Director of Data and Accountability | Social Studies Teacher |
| Angela Ward | Assistant Superintendent to Equity and Engagement | ELA/Social Studies Teacher |
Board President Tony Bruno and fellow members thanked the departing and transitioning staff for their professionalism throughout a difficult process.
During the same meeting, the board approved the promotion of Joanne Schnelle from interim principal to permanent principal at Robeson Elementary, effective immediately. Schnelle began her career as a fourth-grade teacher in Danville and has been with Unit 4 since 2013, serving in both teaching and administrative roles.
The district plans to post the seven new leadership positions by the first week of April, with interviews scheduled by June. Ponce emphasized that the national search for candidates will focus on bringing in individuals who are aligned with the district’s student-centered vision.