The Galesburg Community Unit School District #205 Board of Education voted Wednesday to hire Dr. Sheila Coussens-Martin as the district’s next superintendent. She will begin her new role on July 1, 2027, following the retirement of current Superintendent Dr. John Asplund on June 30, 2027.
Dr. Coussens-Martin brings more than 25 years of experience in Illinois public education, including extensive district-level leadership experience. Since 2019, she has served as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Personnel at Pekin Community High School, where she oversees curriculum, instruction, and human resources while assisting with district operations, financial management, and collective bargaining.
During her tenure in Pekin, the district expanded career and technical education, dual credit, Advanced Placement, and special education opportunities. The district also improved graduation and ninth-grade on-track rates, increased participation in work-based learning, and expanded partnerships with local businesses and Illinois Central College.
Previously, Dr. Coussens-Martin served as Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning, Instructional Methods Facilitator, and English Department Chair. She began her career as a classroom teacher and coach in the Bushnell-Prairie City, Galva, and Canton school districts.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and her master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees from Western Illinois University. She also holds Chief School Business Official certification from the University of Illinois Springfield.
For Dr. Coussens-Martin, the opportunity to lead District 205 carries a personal connection to the community. Having grown up in nearby St. Augustine, she said Galesburg has been an important part of her life for as long as she can remember.
“The opportunity to return and serve this community means a great deal to me,” Dr. Coussens-Martin said. “I’ve been so impressed by the students and staff I’ve met, and I have tremendous respect for what the Board of Education, Dr. Asplund, and his team have accomplished together.”
She said she looks forward to getting to know the District 205 community, listening and learning, and building on the work already underway.
“Most of all, I am committed to ensuring that every student in the district has the opportunities and support they need to succeed,” she said.
Board President Courtney Rodriguez said the Board looks forward to working with Dr. Coussens-Martin as the district begins its next chapter.
“Our priority was to identify a superintendent who can lead with integrity, build strong relationships, support our staff, and focus on student achievement while addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Rodriguez said. “We look forward to working collaboratively to move our district forward and best serve our students, staff, families, and community.”
***Courtesy of the Galesburg School District***
