Jacob Bretz Named as Future DHS Principal

With Ms Cherry’s impending retirement as Danville High School principal at the end of this school year, the Danville District 118 Board has chosen her successor.  They have selected Jacob Bretz, a Springfield SE High School graduate who came to DHS straight from the U of I in 2007 as a U.S History and World Geography teacher.  He was a teacher for six years and an assistant principal for ten.  And now, a very special moment in his career, as Bretz will now be principal at the school where he’s spent his entire time as a teacher and school administrator.

AUDIO: It’s humbling.  It’s a big job; it’s a job I take seriously.  This school means a lot to the community, it means a lot to me.  And so for the people to put their trust in me; I got hired here right out of college, and I’ve been here ever since at the high school.  (No regrets about that?)  Not at all, I love it here.  Danville High School’s a special place.

Principal Cherry says, this is exactly who she wanted as her successor, and she’s been taking that initiative.

AUDIO: I’ve been working on him; even started going to church in Champaign where he goes to church so I could have those Sunday conversations with Jake.  He’s very dedicated, extremely capable of taking over and doing a good job.  The legacy of Danville High School is very important to me.

HVAC update and safety plan both approved for North Ridge during Wednesday’s District 118 Board meeting.

Meanwhile, a big night at Wednesday’s District 118 Board meeting for North Ridge Middle School.  A $2.4 million dollar bid from Reliable Plumbing and Heating was accepted for the building’s HVAC upgrade.  District Director of Building and Grounds Skip Truex says he expects the update to last for 30 years.  Also, the board approved the $117,000 package for the North Ridge safety plan, which will include installation of the same metal detectors used at Danville High School.  North Ridge principal Eliza Brooks says it was a wonderful night for the building she overseas, staff and students.

AUDIO: And everybody will be warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot.  That makes a big difference in our teaching staff, and them being able to deliver instruction in a comfortable environment.  And just for the safety of our kids.  Nowadays, with things that are going on, you just can’t be too safe.

Ms. Brooks says she hopes the shipping process goes smoothly, to get the safety equipment in place as soon as possible.