On April 4, 2023, Five seats for the PORTA Board of Education will be open for election. During this election seven candidates are running for those Five (5) seats. Incumbents are Jeff Schonewies and Brandy Zanger and new candidates are Molly Bettis, Alissa Bilyeu, Bill Chick, Tim Davis, and Troy Eckles. Below we have shared biographical information on the candidates and invite everyone to attend a "Meet the Candidate Night" on March 2, 2023 beginning at 7:00 PM and ending at 8:30 PM. During the "Meet the Candidate" event candidates will have an opportunity to share the reasons they are running for the Board of Education and will speak about important school related issues. We look forward to everyone attending our event on March 2nd at 7:00 PM in the HS Library.
One issue that invariably causes confusion in the PORTA Board of Education races is the design of the Ballot. Fortunately this year the ballot is very simple to understand. This particular Board Election has all the makings of true popular vote election, in that the top four vote getters will receive the 4 open four year board seats and the top vote getter seeking the 2 year open board seat will win that particular seat. In years past we have had candidates not earn a seat even if they received a higher number of votes because our school district elections are done so in voting districts. The School Board can seat no more than three board members from any one district. If a voting district has three members seated who are not up for election and a candidate runs for a open seat but resides in the same district as the current three seated members, that candidate could not be seated even if they received the most votes in the election.
Fortunately, this election year there is no confusion, vote for your top 5 candidates and if they receive the highest number of votes they will be your new Board of Education members.
One issue that invariably causes confusion in the PORTA Board of Education races is the design of the Ballot. Fortunately this year the ballot is very simple to understand. This particular Board Election has all the makings of true popular vote election, in that the top four vote getters will receive the 4 open four year board seats and the top vote getter seeking the 2 year open board seat will win that particular seat. In years past we have had candidates not earn a seat even if they received a higher number of votes because our school district elections are done so in voting districts. The School Board can seat no more than three board members from any one district. If a voting district has three members seated who are not up for election and a candidate runs for a open seat but resides in the same district as the current three seated members, that candidate could not be seated even if they received the most votes in the election.
Fortunately, this election year there is no confusion, vote for your top 5 candidates and if they receive the highest number of votes they will be your new Board of Education members.
Molly Bettis
School Board Candidate Bio
I am Molly Bettis and I have lived in Petersburg since 1991 with my husband, Kevin, We have been married for 31 years and have raised our 3 children in the PORTA School District. Erin graduated from PORTA in 2012 and from Bradley University in 2016 and is an Accountant at Caterpillar. Brandon graduated from PORTA in 2015 and from the University of Iowa in 2019 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and works for the University. Ryan is a Senior who will graduate in May and plans to further his education at college.
I am a self-employed Accountant and graduated Summa cum laude with a degree in Accounting from Illinois College in 1991. I am Treasurer for PORTA Sports Boosters and have been extremely involved for the past 14 years. I am proud to be part of the original team that rebuilt the organization to what it is today. I currently serve as East Petersburg Precinct Committeewoman and have held the position for 6 years. I am a volunteer treasurer for several community organizations. I was recently appointed to the Sangamon-Menard Regional Board of Trustees. I am a member of St. Peter Church and a big supporter of many events held within our community.
Being involved in the community and schools have always been top priority for me and my family. As such, I have attended monthly school board meetings on a regular basis. I believe I have the enthusiasm, experience and knowledge needed to be an effective school board member. I look forward to being a strong voice for the students, parents and staff. I will continually work and strive to bring new ideas to our district to enhance the educational experience for PORTA students, while maintaining fiscally responsible decisions. I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the PORTA School Board for the next 4 years. I appreciate your vote on April 4. Thank you.
School Board Candidate Bio
I am Molly Bettis and I have lived in Petersburg since 1991 with my husband, Kevin, We have been married for 31 years and have raised our 3 children in the PORTA School District. Erin graduated from PORTA in 2012 and from Bradley University in 2016 and is an Accountant at Caterpillar. Brandon graduated from PORTA in 2015 and from the University of Iowa in 2019 with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and works for the University. Ryan is a Senior who will graduate in May and plans to further his education at college.
I am a self-employed Accountant and graduated Summa cum laude with a degree in Accounting from Illinois College in 1991. I am Treasurer for PORTA Sports Boosters and have been extremely involved for the past 14 years. I am proud to be part of the original team that rebuilt the organization to what it is today. I currently serve as East Petersburg Precinct Committeewoman and have held the position for 6 years. I am a volunteer treasurer for several community organizations. I was recently appointed to the Sangamon-Menard Regional Board of Trustees. I am a member of St. Peter Church and a big supporter of many events held within our community.
Being involved in the community and schools have always been top priority for me and my family. As such, I have attended monthly school board meetings on a regular basis. I believe I have the enthusiasm, experience and knowledge needed to be an effective school board member. I look forward to being a strong voice for the students, parents and staff. I will continually work and strive to bring new ideas to our district to enhance the educational experience for PORTA students, while maintaining fiscally responsible decisions. I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the PORTA School Board for the next 4 years. I appreciate your vote on April 4. Thank you.
Alissa Bilyeu
School Board Candidate Bio
I was born and raised in Mt. Sterling, a rural, West-Central Illinois farming community not unlike the PORTA School District community. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Western Illinois University and a Master's Degree in Public Policy & Administration from Northwestern University. For most of my twenty-year professional career, I worked in executive leadership positions for United Airlines in corporate, regulatory and government affairs, implementing policy, advocating areas of stakeholder interest, ensuring compliance with regulations, and negotiating operational contracts. In 2016, I married Joe Bilyeu and moved to Petersburg to start our family, get involved in the community, and put down roots. We have two young daughters, Evelyn, a Kindergartener, and Charlotte, a preschooler, at Petersburg Elementary School (PES).
I am community-minded and actively involved in local community volunteer groups including PES Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Town & Country Women’s Club (TCWC). I have served as President and Vice President of TCWC and am currently Treasurer and spearheading the Jaycee Park Revitalization Project.
As a school board member, I will work to ensure:
School Board Candidate Bio
I was born and raised in Mt. Sterling, a rural, West-Central Illinois farming community not unlike the PORTA School District community. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Western Illinois University and a Master's Degree in Public Policy & Administration from Northwestern University. For most of my twenty-year professional career, I worked in executive leadership positions for United Airlines in corporate, regulatory and government affairs, implementing policy, advocating areas of stakeholder interest, ensuring compliance with regulations, and negotiating operational contracts. In 2016, I married Joe Bilyeu and moved to Petersburg to start our family, get involved in the community, and put down roots. We have two young daughters, Evelyn, a Kindergartener, and Charlotte, a preschooler, at Petersburg Elementary School (PES).
I am community-minded and actively involved in local community volunteer groups including PES Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and Town & Country Women’s Club (TCWC). I have served as President and Vice President of TCWC and am currently Treasurer and spearheading the Jaycee Park Revitalization Project.
As a school board member, I will work to ensure:
- PORTA offers students a high-quality, well-rounded education and extracurricular activities;
- Teachers and staff are supported and valued;
- There is open and transparent communication;
- Fiscal responsibility, reasonable and pragmatic solutions.
Bill Chick
School Board Candidate Bio
I have lived in Petersburg with my wife, Stacy (Sullivan) and our four children Charlize, Walker, Elias and Maryrose since 2015. After leaving active duty military service flying in the Navy, our biggest question was whose hometown and family we were moving near. It was either Petersburg or Beulah, ND. Stacy somehow convinced me that central IL had much warmer winters than ND, and we’ve been here ever since. Although, I’m still not too sure it’s any warmer!
As far as my background, I grew up in the small town of Beulah, ND similar in many ways to Petersburg. I played football, basketball, ran track, and worked at the local Dairy Queen through high school. I knew from early on that I wanted to be a Navy pilot. In pursuit of that goal I attended Moorhead State University in MN for one year before transferring to LeTourneau University in Longview, TX and graduated in 2003 with B.S. degree in Aeronautical Science. After college I went to Navy Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL and was commissioned in January 2004. From there I went to Navy flight school, earned my wings of gold in May 2006, was trained to fly the F/A-18 Hornet then received orders to an operational squadron(VFA-15) based in Virginia Beach, VA where we deployed on board the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2007-2008. In 2010 I received orders to be an instructor at the F/A-18 training squadron(VFA-106) and flew/instructed there full time until 2013 and part time until I left active duty in 2015. From 2013-2015 I was assigned to Support Activity Two in Little Creek, VA and deployed to Cameroon in 2014 as a liaison in the US Embassy.
Since leaving active duty service in the military, I flew for Delta Air Lines for one year before being hired by FedEx Express, where I’ve worked flying MD-11s delivering packages all over the United States and around the world for the past five years. I also continued to serve in the Navy Reserve before transferring to the 183rd Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard in Springfield, where I’ve been for the past three years and was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Although traveling regularly is part of my job, I have a flexible schedule and can easily communicate remotely.
As far as formal background in education, I don’t have a teaching certificate but, during college, I spent multiple years training in both the classroom and in an airplane to become a certified civilian flight instructor. During my time in the Navy I instructed Navy pilots in all aspects of flying the F/A-18 to include landing on an aircraft carrier both day and night in any weather.
I’ve served our country in the military for almost twenty years and as the time for that is drawing to a close I’d like to continue to serve in other capacities closer to home and in our community. Stacy and I are active members in the church we attend and I serve as an elder there. I’m particularly interested in the school board as Stacy and I have four children, two of which are currently in school at PORTA Elementary and Central. Our two youngest will be soon to follow. I also have 18 nieces and nephews as well as many extended family members either currently attending PORTA or will be shortly. I believe children are our greatest resource and I have a vested interest in wanting to help ensure PORTA develops each one’s character and gives them both the foundation and opportunity to follow their dreams and be successful in accomplishing their goals.
School Board Candidate Bio
I have lived in Petersburg with my wife, Stacy (Sullivan) and our four children Charlize, Walker, Elias and Maryrose since 2015. After leaving active duty military service flying in the Navy, our biggest question was whose hometown and family we were moving near. It was either Petersburg or Beulah, ND. Stacy somehow convinced me that central IL had much warmer winters than ND, and we’ve been here ever since. Although, I’m still not too sure it’s any warmer!
As far as my background, I grew up in the small town of Beulah, ND similar in many ways to Petersburg. I played football, basketball, ran track, and worked at the local Dairy Queen through high school. I knew from early on that I wanted to be a Navy pilot. In pursuit of that goal I attended Moorhead State University in MN for one year before transferring to LeTourneau University in Longview, TX and graduated in 2003 with B.S. degree in Aeronautical Science. After college I went to Navy Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL and was commissioned in January 2004. From there I went to Navy flight school, earned my wings of gold in May 2006, was trained to fly the F/A-18 Hornet then received orders to an operational squadron(VFA-15) based in Virginia Beach, VA where we deployed on board the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2007-2008. In 2010 I received orders to be an instructor at the F/A-18 training squadron(VFA-106) and flew/instructed there full time until 2013 and part time until I left active duty in 2015. From 2013-2015 I was assigned to Support Activity Two in Little Creek, VA and deployed to Cameroon in 2014 as a liaison in the US Embassy.
Since leaving active duty service in the military, I flew for Delta Air Lines for one year before being hired by FedEx Express, where I’ve worked flying MD-11s delivering packages all over the United States and around the world for the past five years. I also continued to serve in the Navy Reserve before transferring to the 183rd Wing of the Illinois Air National Guard in Springfield, where I’ve been for the past three years and was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Although traveling regularly is part of my job, I have a flexible schedule and can easily communicate remotely.
As far as formal background in education, I don’t have a teaching certificate but, during college, I spent multiple years training in both the classroom and in an airplane to become a certified civilian flight instructor. During my time in the Navy I instructed Navy pilots in all aspects of flying the F/A-18 to include landing on an aircraft carrier both day and night in any weather.
I’ve served our country in the military for almost twenty years and as the time for that is drawing to a close I’d like to continue to serve in other capacities closer to home and in our community. Stacy and I are active members in the church we attend and I serve as an elder there. I’m particularly interested in the school board as Stacy and I have four children, two of which are currently in school at PORTA Elementary and Central. Our two youngest will be soon to follow. I also have 18 nieces and nephews as well as many extended family members either currently attending PORTA or will be shortly. I believe children are our greatest resource and I have a vested interest in wanting to help ensure PORTA develops each one’s character and gives them both the foundation and opportunity to follow their dreams and be successful in accomplishing their goals.
Tim Davis
I am a lifelong Menard County Resident, growing up on my family’s farm near Tallula. I graduated from Porta and am currently living in Petersburg with my wife Kendra and our son Kendall who is a sophomore this year. I have been involved in many community activities including coaching several local youth baseball and basketball teams as well as supporting our Menard County Fair as Beef Superintendent. Recently, I am leading our Porta A-C Baseball Diamond Club which is a new parent led support group that is enhancing our players experience and promoting our team through several community activities.
Previously, I have worked for 3 fortune 500 companies and have held many leadership positions throughout my career. I am currently VP of North American Sales for CropX. Our company provides precision irrigation soil sensors as part of an entire digital solution platform for agronomic farm management.
My leadership style has always been one of Servant Leadership. My goal is to help in any way I can, supporting the team and the individual to succeed. There is no question that being a school board member is a servant position and therefore I am hopeful that I can serve this district as a member of the Porta School Board. Simply put, I want to use a commonsense approach that is aided by 30+ years of experience in managing people, overcoming obstacles and leading discussions where everyone is heard, and group consensus is achieved. I am excited and motivated by the thought of helping our board make the most informed decisions possible that will support our communities and provide the best environment possible for students and faculty to thrive.
I am a lifelong Menard County Resident, growing up on my family’s farm near Tallula. I graduated from Porta and am currently living in Petersburg with my wife Kendra and our son Kendall who is a sophomore this year. I have been involved in many community activities including coaching several local youth baseball and basketball teams as well as supporting our Menard County Fair as Beef Superintendent. Recently, I am leading our Porta A-C Baseball Diamond Club which is a new parent led support group that is enhancing our players experience and promoting our team through several community activities.
Previously, I have worked for 3 fortune 500 companies and have held many leadership positions throughout my career. I am currently VP of North American Sales for CropX. Our company provides precision irrigation soil sensors as part of an entire digital solution platform for agronomic farm management.
My leadership style has always been one of Servant Leadership. My goal is to help in any way I can, supporting the team and the individual to succeed. There is no question that being a school board member is a servant position and therefore I am hopeful that I can serve this district as a member of the Porta School Board. Simply put, I want to use a commonsense approach that is aided by 30+ years of experience in managing people, overcoming obstacles and leading discussions where everyone is heard, and group consensus is achieved. I am excited and motivated by the thought of helping our board make the most informed decisions possible that will support our communities and provide the best environment possible for students and faculty to thrive.
Jeff Schoneweis
I was born and raised in Tallula, Illinois, where I attended Tallula Grade School, and graduated from Porta High School in 1978. I then attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins Colorado for two years majoring in ag-business, finance, and marketing. I continue to farm in and around Menard County, striving to be a good neighbor, and steward of the land.
My wife Wanda has worked for the Illinois State Board of Education for 19 years, previously in the Special Education Services, now in Software Solutions. We have two daughters; Amelia, a sophomore, and Lilli, in 8th grade. Both girls were active in our PAA sports program, playing softball, soccer, and basketball, which I’ve had the opportunity to help coach. Both girls are still active in Porta sports, enjoying all that PORTA has to offer. I am very proud that both girls are on the high honor roll, which I attribute to the great teachers and staff they have had growing up in the Porta School system and Petersburg community.
We attend Tallula Christian Church, where I have previously held the office of Vice Chairman of the board, head of the property committee, and served as a deacon and elder. I am a member of the Menard County Farm Bureau, previously serving as chairman of the Young Farmer’s Committee.
I have served on the school board for 4 years now, learning how to deal with state mandates , and all the hoops our district has to go through to try to educate all our students at all levels in our district. I’ve really enjoyed getting to work with some outstanding teachers, principals, staff, and a great superintendent, who are trying to educate our youth. They all work hard, and we are very fortunate to have the quality of staff at PORTA that many districts can only dream of.
I feel strongly that our early education programs are vital to our children’s overall education. If the kids have not learned the difference between right and wrong at home at an early age, then they and their parent’s need to know that there are consequences to their actions at school. We can’t expect our teachers to raise these kids, that is the parent’s responsibility. We are paying our teachers to TEACH, not run a day-care. If we can’t do that because of school policy, then maybe we need to change our policy. Maybe we need to teach more common sense, and less common core.
I realize that not everyone agrees with my views, which is great, because we need a variety of different opinions to make good decisions as a board. I feel we should work together, to get the brightest ideas, to make the best decisions, and do what is right the first time around. It’s a lot easier and less expensive to do it right the first time.
I was born and raised in Tallula, Illinois, where I attended Tallula Grade School, and graduated from Porta High School in 1978. I then attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins Colorado for two years majoring in ag-business, finance, and marketing. I continue to farm in and around Menard County, striving to be a good neighbor, and steward of the land.
My wife Wanda has worked for the Illinois State Board of Education for 19 years, previously in the Special Education Services, now in Software Solutions. We have two daughters; Amelia, a sophomore, and Lilli, in 8th grade. Both girls were active in our PAA sports program, playing softball, soccer, and basketball, which I’ve had the opportunity to help coach. Both girls are still active in Porta sports, enjoying all that PORTA has to offer. I am very proud that both girls are on the high honor roll, which I attribute to the great teachers and staff they have had growing up in the Porta School system and Petersburg community.
We attend Tallula Christian Church, where I have previously held the office of Vice Chairman of the board, head of the property committee, and served as a deacon and elder. I am a member of the Menard County Farm Bureau, previously serving as chairman of the Young Farmer’s Committee.
I have served on the school board for 4 years now, learning how to deal with state mandates , and all the hoops our district has to go through to try to educate all our students at all levels in our district. I’ve really enjoyed getting to work with some outstanding teachers, principals, staff, and a great superintendent, who are trying to educate our youth. They all work hard, and we are very fortunate to have the quality of staff at PORTA that many districts can only dream of.
I feel strongly that our early education programs are vital to our children’s overall education. If the kids have not learned the difference between right and wrong at home at an early age, then they and their parent’s need to know that there are consequences to their actions at school. We can’t expect our teachers to raise these kids, that is the parent’s responsibility. We are paying our teachers to TEACH, not run a day-care. If we can’t do that because of school policy, then maybe we need to change our policy. Maybe we need to teach more common sense, and less common core.
I realize that not everyone agrees with my views, which is great, because we need a variety of different opinions to make good decisions as a board. I feel we should work together, to get the brightest ideas, to make the best decisions, and do what is right the first time around. It’s a lot easier and less expensive to do it right the first time.
Brandy L. Zanger, MBA
Born and raised in Quincy, IL, my husband, Mark Zanger, and I moved to Petersburg in 2002 to start our family. Our son, Wolfgang, graduated from PORTA in 2022 and is serving in the United States Air Force. Our daughter, Ripley, is a PORTA senior and is actively involved in the district. I have worked with HSHS Medical Group for nine years, and I currently serve as the Director of Occupational Health & Employer Health Services. I have worked in the healthcare industry for 21 years, where I have gained significant experience in marketing, finance and operations management.
Aside from my family, I have two very definite passions - education and serving the community. I have a Bachelor of Science from University of Illinois at Springfield (Chemistry major with a Biology minor) and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Benedictine University at Springfield. While I am likely finished with my formal education, I consider myself a lifelong learner, and continually look for ways to broaden my understanding of various topics.
In high school and college, I was heavily involved in school and community activities, and I continue to be as involved as my free time will allow. I have previously served as President of Town & Country Women’s Club, President of PORTA PTA (now PTO), Girl Scout Leader, Assistant Cub Scout Leader, Petersburg Girls’ Softball League/Petersburg Athletic Association Softball Coach, and I have volunteered at more school events/concession stands than I probably realize. Each of these opportunities has been so fulfilling and I enjoy getting to know the people of our community through these activities.
For the past four years, I have served as a member of the PORTA CUSD #202 Board of Education, and I have served as Vice President since April 2021. While this term has been full of twists and turns, I am proud to have been able to serve our district and taxpayers in a way that helped guide our district through such uncertain times. My goal has always been, and will continue to be, to serve our school (students/teachers/staff/administrators) and taxpayers/community in a way that ensures our students are receiving the best education possible while remaining fiscally responsible for our taxpayers and supportive to the teachers/staff/administrators.
The district is facing substantial change in the coming years, regarding turnover of administrative leadership – superintendent in 2023 and three administrators in 2024. No doubt, these changes will be unsettling, but it will be a great opportunity to breathe new life and ideas into our district. Our current leaders have dedicated so much of their time to PORTA, and that certainly does not go unnoticed – they have given the incoming leaders a great foundation on which to build, and I consider myself very lucky to get to be a part of this exciting process. I am looking forward to helping successfully guide the district through these changes.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me (217-971-1146 or brandyzanger@yahoo.com). I would greatly appreciate your support at the April 4, 2023, election. I also invite you to attend the PORTA Board of Education meetings – they are open to the public, and are generally held the third Thursday of each month in the PORTA Library (and online) at 6pm (visit PORTA202.org for more details).
Born and raised in Quincy, IL, my husband, Mark Zanger, and I moved to Petersburg in 2002 to start our family. Our son, Wolfgang, graduated from PORTA in 2022 and is serving in the United States Air Force. Our daughter, Ripley, is a PORTA senior and is actively involved in the district. I have worked with HSHS Medical Group for nine years, and I currently serve as the Director of Occupational Health & Employer Health Services. I have worked in the healthcare industry for 21 years, where I have gained significant experience in marketing, finance and operations management.
Aside from my family, I have two very definite passions - education and serving the community. I have a Bachelor of Science from University of Illinois at Springfield (Chemistry major with a Biology minor) and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Benedictine University at Springfield. While I am likely finished with my formal education, I consider myself a lifelong learner, and continually look for ways to broaden my understanding of various topics.
In high school and college, I was heavily involved in school and community activities, and I continue to be as involved as my free time will allow. I have previously served as President of Town & Country Women’s Club, President of PORTA PTA (now PTO), Girl Scout Leader, Assistant Cub Scout Leader, Petersburg Girls’ Softball League/Petersburg Athletic Association Softball Coach, and I have volunteered at more school events/concession stands than I probably realize. Each of these opportunities has been so fulfilling and I enjoy getting to know the people of our community through these activities.
For the past four years, I have served as a member of the PORTA CUSD #202 Board of Education, and I have served as Vice President since April 2021. While this term has been full of twists and turns, I am proud to have been able to serve our district and taxpayers in a way that helped guide our district through such uncertain times. My goal has always been, and will continue to be, to serve our school (students/teachers/staff/administrators) and taxpayers/community in a way that ensures our students are receiving the best education possible while remaining fiscally responsible for our taxpayers and supportive to the teachers/staff/administrators.
The district is facing substantial change in the coming years, regarding turnover of administrative leadership – superintendent in 2023 and three administrators in 2024. No doubt, these changes will be unsettling, but it will be a great opportunity to breathe new life and ideas into our district. Our current leaders have dedicated so much of their time to PORTA, and that certainly does not go unnoticed – they have given the incoming leaders a great foundation on which to build, and I consider myself very lucky to get to be a part of this exciting process. I am looking forward to helping successfully guide the district through these changes.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me (217-971-1146 or brandyzanger@yahoo.com). I would greatly appreciate your support at the April 4, 2023, election. I also invite you to attend the PORTA Board of Education meetings – they are open to the public, and are generally held the third Thursday of each month in the PORTA Library (and online) at 6pm (visit PORTA202.org for more details).