PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – The search for Peoria Public Schools’ next superintendent has come down to two candidates as the district prepares for a leadership transition this summer.
25 News reports Dr. Jerry Bell and Dr. Renee Andrews are the final candidates vying to lead the district after current Superintendent Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat retires in June.
Both candidates said their love for the city drives them to want to provide the best educational environment for Peoria’s children.
The community got a closer look at both candidates this week as they participated in public forums, sharing their visions for the district and addressing everything from student achievement to school safety and community engagement.
“This is almost like a third interview for the board members to see,” said PPS School Board President Gregory Wilson. “This part of the process is very intensive, it’s very exciting, and it allows us board members to see how these candidates interact with the community.”
Bell said it would be a dream come true to be able to come back home to Peoria for the position.
“I envision opportunities where we have the entire community here in Peoria involved in our schools in some shape, form, or fashion,” he said.
Bell’s connection to Peoria appears to be a central part of his pitch to lead the district, emphasizing community engagement and involvement.
Andrews is currently a PPS employee and is also a former District 150 student herself.
“I just feel like it’s my duty,” she said. “It’s my responsibility to always educate, to help people understand how education works, and to foster environments that allow us all to work together.”
Andrews said she wants to replicate the care she received as a former student at District 150, bringing her personal experience full circle.
As the search progresses, Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat is wrapping up her tenure leading the district. She attended one of her final events in her role at the district’s 365 Breakfast—a moment of reflection on her impact on thousands of students and families in Peoria.
“It’s actually been a very, very fun journey,” Kherat said. “I think the most important thing, and I told the community, they’ve been an inspiration to me. Just very supportive in every way you can imagine.”
The school board’s upcoming decision on the candidates will set the course for the district for years to come.
The board will vote on the next superintendent later in January, with the new leader expected to take over in June when Dr. Kherat officially retires.
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