Jennifer Gill was a newly-minted principal assistant at Dubois Elementary School when she got a visit from just-elected District 186 board of education member Judith Johnson. Our friendship started there and it s continued to grow, Gill said. For 20 years, she s been walking alongside me in my work here in District 186.
Johnson was presented with several gifts, including a platinum pass to get her into all District 186 athletic events. Johnson is an avid sports fan, especially basketball.
Johnson s successor in Subdistrict 6, Erica Austin, took her oath of office, along with other newcomer Buffy Lael-Wolf from Subdistrict 5, Anthony Mares of Subdistrict 1 and Mike Zimmers of Subdistrict 4. All were elected in the April 6 consolidated election.
Calling it an emotional boost, School District 186 Superintendent Jennifer Gill confirmed Monday that traditional in-person class graduation is a go for the three public high schools.
Lanphier, Southeast and Springfield will have separate ceremonies at the Bank of Springfield Center on June 5 along with Glenwood High School.
Each student will receive four tickets because the center is still operating at 25% capacity, Gill said, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Students will have to social distance and be required to wear masks at the ceremony, Gill said.
Last year, students had the option of an individual stage experience, where they could receive their diplomas and dressed in cap and gown. Those graduations were held at the schools respective football stadiums or fields.
Contentious is a word that could describe Springfield Public Schools board meetings in recent months, as members continually debate policy and decisions related to COVID-19. Two weeks ago – on Feb. 2 – at his last meeting, former board president Scott McFarland told the board it needed a lot of work on board governance. That was after member Micah Miller questioned the superintendent on transparency over COVID-19 data, and referred to an internal email that referenced a sleepover with high school students where people apparently caught the virus. McFarland scolded Miller. All you re doing is bringing these people out and dragging them across the field because you want to make a point and it s despicable. Period, McFarland said. But McFarland has taken a job in another state and he resigned, as planned, that night. On Tuesday, Feb. 16, Sarah Blissett, a parent of District 186 students, was appointed to his spot. Former vice president Tony Mares filled the president post. I