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Danville 118 board tentatively approves separation agreement for superintendent, places her on leave, appoints interim and hires IASB to run search
Summary
The Danville CCSD 118 Board of Education approved a draft amended employment (separation) agreement for Superintendent Dr. Geddes subject to review by the Teachers' Retirement System and legal counsel, placed her on paid administrative leave, appointed John Hart as interim superintendent and voted to hire the Illinois Association of School Boards to assist with the superintendent search.
The Danville CCSD 118 Board of Education approved a draft amended employment agreement for Superintendent Dr. Geddes subject to review and approval by the Teachers' Retirement System and the district's legal counsel, placed Dr. Geddes on paid administrative leave, appointed John Hart as interim superintendent and voted to hire the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) to assist with the superintendent search.
Board counsel Stephanie Jones told the board that because Dr. Geddes is within the TRS retirement window the document is better described as a separation agreement and must be reviewed by the Teachers' Retirement System before execution. "Because she is within the retirement window, this agreement must be reviewed and approved by the Teachers' Retirement System," Jones said.
The board voted 5-2 to approve the draft agreement as amended and subject to TRS and legal review. Board members clarified on the record that if TRS does not approve the agreement there could be significant penalties, and counsel advised against taking final action before TRS signs off.
On a separate motion the board voted 7-0 to place Dr. Geddes on paid administrative leave. Board members said that once leave is effective, district-issued devices and building access are typically disabled as part of standard operations while personnel matters are handled.
The board then voted 7-0 to appoint John Hart as interim superintendent to lead the district immediately. Hart later provided an update in the meeting about negotiations with unions and next steps for staffing and operations.
Finally, the board voted 4-3 to contract with the Illinois Association of School Boards to conduct a superintendent search and provide search resources. Supporters said a structured process would provide guardrails and broaden the candidate pool; opponents objected to the additional expense and said the district's HR department could manage recruiting. Board members noted the search could be timed to include the incoming board members and that contracting IASB would not obligate the board to hire any particular candidate.
Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve draft amended employment agreement (described by counsel as a separation agreement) subject to TRS and legal review: Passed 5-2. Roll call in transcript: Miss Payne: Yes; Missus Courtney: No; Elder Park: Yes; Pastor Miller: Yes; Missus Holleran: No; Missus Schroeder: Yes; Doctor Ashley: Yes. - Motion to place Dr. Geddes on paid administrative leave: Passed 7-0 (roll call recorded as unanimous in transcript). - Motion to appoint John Hart as interim superintendent: Passed 7-0 (roll call recorded as unanimous in transcript). - Motion to hire the Illinois Association of School Boards to conduct a superintendent search: Passed 4-3 (roll call recorded in transcript; board split noted).
Next steps: The separation agreement remains a draft pending TRS review and final legal approval before any settlement would be executed. The board directed staff and counsel to proceed with administrative steps consistent with the leave and interim appointment and to coordinate with IASB on search timing and scope.
The board and counsel repeatedly emphasized they were acting to protect the district fiscally and legally while moving to restore day-to-day leadership and begin a transparent search process.
