The Unit 4 Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments for the 25/26 School Year during its meetings this summer.
Stanley Bergman Appointed Assistant Principal at Garden Hills Academy
Stanley Bergman has been appointed as Assistant Principal at Garden Hills Academy, beginning July 25, 2025. With a career spanning over two decades, Mr. Bergman has served as a Science Teacher at both Jefferson and Edison Middle Schools, as well as a STEAM teacher at Mahomet-Seymour High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Illinois State University and a Master’s in Education, Organization, and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Teneka Richardson Appointed Associate Principal and Summer School Principal at Edison Middle School
Teneka Richardson will serve as Associate Principal and Summer School Principal at Edison Middle School starting July 1, 2025. Her extensive background includes teaching math at Jefferson and Edison Middle Schools, and most recently at ACTIONS Restore. Ms. Richardson holds a bachelor’s degree from Millikin University and two advanced degrees from the University of Illinois, with a doctorate expected in December 2025.
Sara Kriz Appointed Franklin STEAM Academy Assistant Principal
Sara Kriz has been appointed Assistant Principal at Franklin STEAM Academy beginning July 25, 2025. She joins Unit 4 after serving in various roles in Alaska, including School Counselor and Assistant Principal. Ms. Kriz holds degrees in Psychology, School Counseling, and Educational Leadership from institutions including Eastern Illinois University and the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Chaim McGuire Appointed Associate Principal and Summer School Principal at Centennial High School
Chaim McGuire took on the role of Associate Principal and Summer School Principal at Centennial High School starting July 1, 2025. Mr. McGuire has held various educational leadership positions across Illinois and Florida, including serving as Assistant Principal at Centennial High School. He holds degrees in Art Education and Educational Leadership and brings additional experience from the private sector.
Janelle Wright Appointed Assistant Principal at Centennial High School
Janelle Wright joined Centennial High School as Assistant Principal on July 25, 2025. With a background that includes service in the U.S. Air Force, Ms. Wright has held teaching and intervention roles in Missouri and Illinois. She holds multiple advanced degrees and received her principal licensure in 2024.
Deante Cousett Appointed Assistant Director of Student Engagement, Kids Plus Program
Deante Cousett began as Assistant Director of Student Engagement on July 1, 2025. He has worked in student support roles at Washington STEM Academy and Westview Elementary. Mr. Cousett earned a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity.
Melina Thompson Appointed Special Education Administrator
Melina Thompson joined the Special Education Department as Special Education Administrator beginning July 25, 2025. She has served as a Speech-Language Pathologist and Inclusion Facilitator in Rantoul. Ms. Thompson holds degrees in English Communications, Communication Disorders and Sciences, and Educational Administration. She is also a contributor to the Illinois State Dyslexia Handbook.
Sherron Gaines Appointed Assistant Principal and Summer School Principal at Garden Hills Academy
Sherron Gaines will serve as Assistant Principal and Summer School Principal at Garden Hills Academy starting July 1, 2025. Her background spans educational leadership and public service in Florida. Ms. Gaines holds degrees in History Education, Applied Social Sciences, and Educational Leadership and is pursuing a doctorate in Organizational Leadership.
Jessica Hoskins Appointed Dean of Students at Washington STEM Academy
Jessica Hoskins will assume the role of Dean of Students at Washington STEM Academy on July 25, 2025. She brings 15 years of classroom experience at Garden Hills Academy, Robeson Elementary, and the ACTIONS Restore Program. Ms. Hoskins earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University and Eastern Illinois University.
Paige Brehm Appointed Dean of Students at Edison Middle School
Paige Brehm has been named Dean of Students at Edison Middle School, effective July 25, 2025. She has taught science at MacArthur High School and Tri-Valley High School. Ms. Brehm holds degrees in Chemistry and Secondary Education and is currently pursuing her administrative endorsement.
Jeanna Outerbridge Appointed Associate Principal and Summer School Principal at Central High School
Jeanna Outerbridge brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Associate Principal and Summer School Principal at Central High School, effective July 1, 2025. She has served in various educational systems internationally in Bermuda and stateside in Missouri and Illinois. Ms. Outerbridge holds multiple degrees, including a Specialist in Education from McKendree University, and is pursuing her doctorate in Curriculum Design & Instruction.
Brian Wipperman Appointed Associate Principal and Summer School Principal at Jefferson Middle School
Brian Wipperman will begin his new role at Jefferson Middle School, tentatively effective July 30, 2025. Mr. Wipperman’s leadership background spans New York and Illinois, where he has held positions ranging from Special Education Teacher to CEO of a nonprofit. His past roles include serving as Vice President of Education at the Children's Home Association of Illinois and CEO of Lifelong Access. He holds degrees in History, Education, and School Leadership from Molloy University, Queens College, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.
Cytheanne “Tabatha” Cohorst Appointed Dean of Students at Centennial High School
Cytheanne (Tabatha) Cohorst will serve as Dean of Students at Centennial High beginning July 29, 2025. Ms. Cohorst brings years of experience as a teacher and principal across Illinois, Indiana, and Colorado. Most recently, she served as Dean of Students at Danville High School. She holds degrees in Physics Education and Educational Leadership from Eastern Illinois University.
Nashla Vega-Zamora Appointed Dean of Students at Central High School
Nashla Vega-Zamora has been appointed to the role of Dean of Students at Central High, tentatively effective July 29, 2025. She has served in bilingual education roles across Unit 4, including at International Prep Academy and Central High School. Most recently, she coordinated education efforts at Cunningham Children's Home. Ms. Vega-Zamora earned her degree in Spanish from the University of Illinois and is pursuing a Master’s in Trauma-Informed Care and Pedagogy.
Christian Mahone Appointed High School Athletic Director and Assistant Principal at Central High
Christian Mahone will join Central High as both Athletic Director and Assistant Principal starting July 29, 2025. Mr. Mahone has a strong background in instructional leadership, most recently serving as Principal of South Side Elementary School. He previously worked in both teaching and administrative roles in Galesburg and Springfield schools. He holds degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership from Knox College and the University of Illinois at Springfield.
George Davidson Appointed as Assistant Director of Transportation
George Davidson was appointed Assistant Director of Transportation, effective August 12, 2025. Mr. Davidson previously served in this role from 2017 to 2021. He brings deep experience in transportation management and logistics, having held leadership positions at Sunbelt Rentals and ADM. He holds a degree in Management Science from Franklin University.