The Danville District 118 School Board has approved a new contract for Superintendent John Hart. Hart told CIMG it is for the current school year and the 2026-27 year, with an option for 2027-28. Since stepping in for the now departed Dr. Alicia Geddis, Hart had been earning about $160,000. For the current school year he will now earn $208,000; including back pay to the start of the year.
Hart says it’s great to have it taken care of.
AUDIO: And honestly, I haven’t made any decision on how long I’m going to be here. I think it works for the board and it works for me personally; so, it’s something that we all feel good about.
(Left) District 118 Superintendent John Hart. (Right) District 118 Board President Darlene Halloran.
Both Hart and School Board president Darlene Halloran spoke to CIMG about the multiple student fight at North Ridge at the end of the school day on Friday (Feb 20th). Seven students will come before the board next week facing possible expulsion. Halloran pointed out that the board must consider placements for students if they are expelled; such as District 118’s Kenneth D. Bailey Academy, Middlefork School, or Circle Academy. Halloran also said that District 118 teachers are prepared to step up when situations call for it.
AUDIO: I don’t think most of our teachers ever imagined themselves being in a position where they were having to defend other students and other staff members. It breaks my heart when they are put in that position. Our staff does it well. We do some training for them. But, it’s not what they probably imagined when they went into the field of education.
Superintendent Hart stated that teachers, staff, and hall monitors responded well to the fighting incident, and that the district camera inside the North Ridge building provided important information.
AUDIO: Actually, the situation happened right underneath the camera. The camera is very visible. The entire altercation was 31 seconds. I will say that it was a disturbing video. I do not disagree with that.
The “Public Comment” session of the Wednesday evening 118 Board meeting included no one who came to speak about the North Ridge incident.
Hart and Halloran both stated that consideration will soon be underway to replace two principals who are moving on to the Heritage School District in the Homer-Broadlands area; Mr. Gourley at North Ridge and Ms. Shanks at Edison School. A special board meeting on district finances is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4th. At that point, the district may decide whether to search for replacements within or outside the district.
