The Regional Office of Education #26 is kicking off the 2025–2026 school year with exciting developments that strengthen its mission to support students, families, and schools across west-central Illinois. With the addition of several new staff members and the launch of a groundbreaking rural career education initiative, ROE26 continues to invest in services that empower students from early childhood through high school and beyond.
Among the most significant announcements this fall is ROE26’s leadership role in the new Rural IL Career and Technical Education (CTE) Project, a statewide initiative supported by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools (AIRSS). The project focuses on supporting and expanding high-quality CTE opportunities in rural communities — especially important in a region where geography and access can create barriers for students exploring college and career pathways.
The project is led by John Glasgow, the Director of AIRSS Grant Programming and Advocacy. Glasgow will be working in close collaboration with ROE26, ISBE and AIRSS to provide technical assistance, conduct equity-focused research, and advocate for policies that enhance rural access to workforce development and education.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to bring attention and resources to the rural schools that make up more than half of Illinois districts,” said Glasgow. “Together, we are ensuring every student—regardless of location—has a pathway to succeed.” Learn more about the project at: https://airssedu.org/cte.
In addition to launching this statewide partnership, ROE26 is also welcoming a number of new team members this August. Notable new hires include:
· Scott Sullivan, Director of ROE Services, who will oversee vital programs such as ROYALS, LEAP, GED, McKinney-Vento Homeless, and early childhood services. Sullivan brings extensive administrative experience from his previous role as Principal at Macomb High School.
· Jenni Markello, Director of ROYALS, and Danielle Lewis, Lead Teacher at ROYALS Macomb, both of whom will lead and support alternative education programming.
· Abby Beck, Director of Attendance & Family Support, who will lead the Project Stay In Truancy Intervention Program.
· Amanda Pratt, Meg Ault, and Alicia Bithos, who will serve as Student Advocates through the LEAP initiative and other supports.
· Stephen Anderson, Student and Family Support Specialist, who will help remove barriers to learning and build stronger school-family connections.
· Stephanie Beaird, Administrative Assistant, supporting day-to-day operations at the Macomb office.
· Aeron Thorson, Service Coordinator for the Child and Family Connections program, providing early intervention coordination throughout the nine-county region.
· Todd McDillon, Attendance & Family Support Specialist.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these new staff members who bring deep commitment and professional expertise to our mission,” said Regional Superintendent John Meixner. “Combined with our new CTE initiative, this marks a year of exciting growth and possibility for ROE26 and the students we serve.”
ROE26 serves school districts across Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler counties. For more information, visit: www.roe26.net.
***Courtesy of the Regional Office of Education #26***
