The Champaign Unit 4 Schools Board of Ed has selected Sheila Boozer as the new superintendent. Boozer is currently the Director of Teaching & Learning and Technology in Springfield District 186, and will assume her new role in June.
DATE: January 21, 2021
Unit 4 Board of Education Selects Mrs. Shelia Boozer as Next Superintendent
The Unit 4 Board of Education has selected Mrs. Shelia Boozer to lead Unit 4 Schools pending negotiation and formal Board approval of her employment contract. She will succeed Dr. Susan Zola, who is retiring in June after leading the District for four years.
Mrs. Boozer currently serves as the Director of Teaching & Learning and Technology in Springfield District 186. It is a large and diverse unit district that serves approximately 14,000 students in 36 schools. Over the past 23 years in education, she has had an excellent educational career as a teacher at the elementary and middle school levels, and assistant principal and principal at both the elementary and high school levels. Mrs. Boozer used her adeptness to build relationships with students and their families, as well as motivate and encourage staff and students to succeed.
The Board conducted a thorough candidate search with the assistance of Ray & Associates.
“During the extensive interview process, the Board worked with different stakeholder groups and obtained critical feedback to guide our decision making,” said Unit 4 Board President Amy Armstrong. “We looked for an individual with the ability to carry out the necessary work outlined in our newly implemented strategic plan and Racism Resolution and address the other urgent needs of our school district. Together, we believe Mrs. Boozer not only shares that vision but has the experience and passion to lead our District forward.”
“I am honored to be joining the Champaign Unit 4 School District. As a life-long Central Illinois resident and educator, I am committed to the leadership and collaboration of ensuring that Unit 4 is a premier school district that provides high quality, equitable education for each and every one of our students. The Champaign area has so many positives, including home to a world-class university. Champaign will be a community with a world-class pre-K-12 school district as well. It is with great humility that I say thank you to the Board of Education, staff and community for the opportunity to lead Unit 4. On a personal note, my husband and I are so excited and eager to become part of the Champaign area community. I look forward to meeting our students, staff, parents, and community members in the coming months.”
Mrs. Boozer received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and an Elementary Education certification from the University of Illinois at Springfield. She also received her Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Eastern Illinois University, an Ed.S Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Illinois at Springfield and is currently finalizing her dissertation for her Doctorate at Illinois State University. Her topic is Restorative Practices: Its impact on racial inequities in pk-12 schools. Mrs. Boozer is active in the community, serves on several boards, and is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She and her husband, Lance, have three adult children.
Champaign Unit 4 School District is a large unit school district serving more than 10,000 students in grades pre-K through 12 in Champaign, Savoy, and Bondville, Illinois. Our 19 campuses employ more than 1,900 teachers, administrators, and support personnel, including some of the brightest educators in the region. Leading and serving is the vision and mission of Unit 4 School District. We strive to empower each learner to thrive in a diverse and changing world to positively transform learning and life outcomes for students through educational justice, equity, and excellence.
Top image from the Unit 4 Facebook page.
