Plainfield 202 board approves administrator hires and grants superintendent hiring authority for 2025–26

The Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202 Board of Education approved multiple administrative hires and authorized the superintendent to approve candidate recommendations for the 2025–26 school year during its June 23 meeting.

The board announced incoming administrators who begin July 1, 2025: Joe O’Brien as director of administration and personnel; Kai Freeman as principal at Plainfield East High School; Deborah Odegard Carpenter as principal at Droughton Point Middle School; and Kristen Salgado as principal at Crystal Lauds Elementary School. The board also approved an employment agreement between the board and Cheryl Phillips for the 2025–26 school year.

The board voted to give the superintendent authority to approve all candidate recommendations, including administrator recommendations, for the contract year beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. That authorization was presented and moved during the business portion of the meeting; the motion carried.

Board members who announced the administrative appointments noted the hires reflect internal advancement and long-term service in District 202. The board’s routine consent and personnel motions were advanced in a consolidated vote that the clerk recorded as carrying.

The board also recognized the incoming administrators during the meeting and said staff will publish further biographical information. The board did not provide additional hiring conditions or salary details in the public motion.

The meeting returned to open session later in the evening to complete votes on personnel and consent items before adjournment.