On March 8th the PEA held the "Meet The Candidate Night" in the High School Library. The Event was live Streamed on HFS Network and for those who would like more information about the evening and the candidates please click on the following Link: "MEET THE CANDIDATES"
On April 4, 2017 voters will be asked to go to the polls and cast their votes for various elected officials. As part of the April 4th election 8 candidates are running for the PORTA Board of Education. Voters will be asked to vote for the following candidates who hope to fill four open seats on the PORTA Board of education. The Board open seats include 3 four year terms and one 2-year term. All candidates are running for a four year term and so the ballot will ask voters to vote for three of the following candidates and then following the election the new Board will appoint the fourth to a 2 year unexpired term from the candidates who received the next highest number of votes after filling the three four-year terms. In the April 4th election candidates reside in three different townships and no more than three members can be on the Board from any one township. As such, in the upcoming election two members will be elected from Township 18n6w, one member will be elected from 18n7w and one member will be elected from 18n8w. Below are individual Bio's of each candidate, as you consider their credentials please keep in mind that only those who receive the most votes in each township will be elected to the board seat and because there is a limit to the number of members that may come from each township it is possible to be a top three vote recipient and not be elected. For a better understanding candidates are listed here by Township and the total number of candidates who can be elected from each is also noted.
Township 18N6W- Not more than Two could be elected or appointed
Jason Burris
Jeremy Garner
Mindy Kinder
Ryan Woods
Township 18N7W--Not more one could be elected or appointed
Bill Shaub'
Ashley Trueblood
Toby Turek
Township 18N8W--Not more than one could be elected or appointed
Jeff Smith
On April 4, 2017 voters will be asked to go to the polls and cast their votes for various elected officials. As part of the April 4th election 8 candidates are running for the PORTA Board of Education. Voters will be asked to vote for the following candidates who hope to fill four open seats on the PORTA Board of education. The Board open seats include 3 four year terms and one 2-year term. All candidates are running for a four year term and so the ballot will ask voters to vote for three of the following candidates and then following the election the new Board will appoint the fourth to a 2 year unexpired term from the candidates who received the next highest number of votes after filling the three four-year terms. In the April 4th election candidates reside in three different townships and no more than three members can be on the Board from any one township. As such, in the upcoming election two members will be elected from Township 18n6w, one member will be elected from 18n7w and one member will be elected from 18n8w. Below are individual Bio's of each candidate, as you consider their credentials please keep in mind that only those who receive the most votes in each township will be elected to the board seat and because there is a limit to the number of members that may come from each township it is possible to be a top three vote recipient and not be elected. For a better understanding candidates are listed here by Township and the total number of candidates who can be elected from each is also noted.
Township 18N6W- Not more than Two could be elected or appointed
Jason Burris
Jeremy Garner
Mindy Kinder
Ryan Woods
Township 18N7W--Not more one could be elected or appointed
Bill Shaub'
Ashley Trueblood
Toby Turek
Township 18N8W--Not more than one could be elected or appointed
Jeff Smith
Jason Burris
Wood Land Lakes, Petersburg, IL
I currently serve on the PORTA School Board and am running for my second full-term.
I was born and raised in Havana, IL graduating from Havana High School in 1990 and from Western Illinois University with a B.A. Degree in 2002. I have served with the Illinois Army National Guard for 27 years and am employed as a Senior Human Resources Supervisor for the Illinois Army National Guard. My wife Annette and I have two children. Our daughter Devan is a 2015 PORTA graduate and current sophomore at the University of Kansas, and Joseph is an 11th grade student at PORTA High School.
A career opportunity brought us to the Springfield area in 2004 and at that time we chose to move to Petersburg specifically to put our children into the PORTA School District. What we found in PORTA was a district with a small school feel that had a very good academic reputation as well as an abundance of extra-curricular opportunities for our children. We chose PORTA over other neighboring school districts and have never regretted that decision.
In my time living in the PORTA School District I have previously volunteered and served as the Committee Chair, Cub Master and Den Leader with local Cub Scout Pack 54. I have volunteered as an Assistant Coach for several youth sports leagues. I currently volunteer as an Assistant High School Wrestling Coach at PORTA. I am also a member of Clinton Lodge No. 19 in Petersburg.
With our current state budget issues education funding has become a challenging issue for our small district. While we must be fiscally responsible to ensure the long-term health of the district, we must work to find creative means to ensure continued opportunities for our students. I believe in providing a well-rounded education and numerous opportunities for all of our students. College-bound or those looking for vocational or technical education opportunities should have those choices available to them at PORTA. I have always appreciated the abundance of opportunities our district offers and will work to ensure those opportunities continue and expand for future PORTA students.
My ultimate goal is for PORTA School District to become the top small school district in Central Illinois.
Wood Land Lakes, Petersburg, IL
I currently serve on the PORTA School Board and am running for my second full-term.
I was born and raised in Havana, IL graduating from Havana High School in 1990 and from Western Illinois University with a B.A. Degree in 2002. I have served with the Illinois Army National Guard for 27 years and am employed as a Senior Human Resources Supervisor for the Illinois Army National Guard. My wife Annette and I have two children. Our daughter Devan is a 2015 PORTA graduate and current sophomore at the University of Kansas, and Joseph is an 11th grade student at PORTA High School.
A career opportunity brought us to the Springfield area in 2004 and at that time we chose to move to Petersburg specifically to put our children into the PORTA School District. What we found in PORTA was a district with a small school feel that had a very good academic reputation as well as an abundance of extra-curricular opportunities for our children. We chose PORTA over other neighboring school districts and have never regretted that decision.
In my time living in the PORTA School District I have previously volunteered and served as the Committee Chair, Cub Master and Den Leader with local Cub Scout Pack 54. I have volunteered as an Assistant Coach for several youth sports leagues. I currently volunteer as an Assistant High School Wrestling Coach at PORTA. I am also a member of Clinton Lodge No. 19 in Petersburg.
With our current state budget issues education funding has become a challenging issue for our small district. While we must be fiscally responsible to ensure the long-term health of the district, we must work to find creative means to ensure continued opportunities for our students. I believe in providing a well-rounded education and numerous opportunities for all of our students. College-bound or those looking for vocational or technical education opportunities should have those choices available to them at PORTA. I have always appreciated the abundance of opportunities our district offers and will work to ensure those opportunities continue and expand for future PORTA students.
My ultimate goal is for PORTA School District to become the top small school district in Central Illinois.
Jeremy Garner
Jeremy Garner has been a resident of the southeastern part of the Porta district for three years. He is married to Mrs Garner who is a kindergarten teacher at Porta elementary. He has two children Sierra ( who is in 8 th grade) and Westin (who is in pre-k). Jeremy is a graduate of A-C Central and majored in secondary education at Illionis College. He has worked for the Illinois Department Of Corrections for the past 20 years. He was on the A-C Central Board Of Education for 7 years.
" I believe I have the experience needed to be an asset for the Porta board of education. Prior to moving to Petersburg, I was on the A-C board for seven years. During those years, we had to make changes to education and come up with several cost cutting solutions to deal with the lack of payments from state funding. I feel during that time we made smart decisions that kept education at the highest level possible with less funding. If I am elected to the board I will bring that experience with me and the thought of education first with the least amount of stress on the tax payers as possible."
Jeremy Garner has been a resident of the southeastern part of the Porta district for three years. He is married to Mrs Garner who is a kindergarten teacher at Porta elementary. He has two children Sierra ( who is in 8 th grade) and Westin (who is in pre-k). Jeremy is a graduate of A-C Central and majored in secondary education at Illionis College. He has worked for the Illinois Department Of Corrections for the past 20 years. He was on the A-C Central Board Of Education for 7 years.
" I believe I have the experience needed to be an asset for the Porta board of education. Prior to moving to Petersburg, I was on the A-C board for seven years. During those years, we had to make changes to education and come up with several cost cutting solutions to deal with the lack of payments from state funding. I feel during that time we made smart decisions that kept education at the highest level possible with less funding. If I am elected to the board I will bring that experience with me and the thought of education first with the least amount of stress on the tax payers as possible."
Mindy KinderMy name is Melinda (Mindy) Kinder. I am running for school board and I am asking for your vote.
My family and I have lived in Petersburg since 2008. My daughter graduated from PORTA High School in 2016 and is now attending Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. My son is currently in kindergarten at Petersburg Elementary School. The school district was a major part of our decision to relocate to this wonderful community, and from academics to sports we have not been disappointed.
My husband and I are active members of the Petersburg/Menard County community. My husband is a volunteer firefighter and I am a member of the Menard County Jaycees and Town and Country Women’s Club. I have served as President of both clubs, and Treasurer of the Jaycees. I am currently co-president of the Petersburg Elementary School PTO. I have participated in organizing and overseeing several events that benefited the community, including but not limited to, organizing the Super Hero fun run for the kids at Harvest Fest (the proceeds of which were donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital), organizing the children’s Halloween parade and working with the community to fight the flood.
I graduated from Beloit College in Beloit, WI in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology and minoring in legal studies. I am currently attending the University of Illinois at Springfield to obtain my Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). I have worked for the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) for over 13 years. My current position is an auditor. As an auditor, I review school district records to ensure accurate reporting of TRS members (teachers, administrators, etc.) service and earnings.
I am running for school board because I feel a sense of duty to provide back to the community and to ensure the future for our children is as bright as possible. I want to be part of a team that creates a model that ensures all children have access to the best education in this fast moving world while holding true to the small town values that are so critical to grounding them as people. I am looking forward to ensuring PORTA reaches its current goals, as well as set the vision and goals for the future. I want to devote my knowledge, skills and energy to making PORTA the best school district in Illinois. I feel my education, community spirit, and background make me a highly qualified candidate to serve on the board. I want to make sure that not just my child, but that all children receive the best education possible.
I thank you for your consideration.
My family and I have lived in Petersburg since 2008. My daughter graduated from PORTA High School in 2016 and is now attending Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. My son is currently in kindergarten at Petersburg Elementary School. The school district was a major part of our decision to relocate to this wonderful community, and from academics to sports we have not been disappointed.
My husband and I are active members of the Petersburg/Menard County community. My husband is a volunteer firefighter and I am a member of the Menard County Jaycees and Town and Country Women’s Club. I have served as President of both clubs, and Treasurer of the Jaycees. I am currently co-president of the Petersburg Elementary School PTO. I have participated in organizing and overseeing several events that benefited the community, including but not limited to, organizing the Super Hero fun run for the kids at Harvest Fest (the proceeds of which were donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital), organizing the children’s Halloween parade and working with the community to fight the flood.
I graduated from Beloit College in Beloit, WI in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology and minoring in legal studies. I am currently attending the University of Illinois at Springfield to obtain my Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). I have worked for the Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) for over 13 years. My current position is an auditor. As an auditor, I review school district records to ensure accurate reporting of TRS members (teachers, administrators, etc.) service and earnings.
I am running for school board because I feel a sense of duty to provide back to the community and to ensure the future for our children is as bright as possible. I want to be part of a team that creates a model that ensures all children have access to the best education in this fast moving world while holding true to the small town values that are so critical to grounding them as people. I am looking forward to ensuring PORTA reaches its current goals, as well as set the vision and goals for the future. I want to devote my knowledge, skills and energy to making PORTA the best school district in Illinois. I feel my education, community spirit, and background make me a highly qualified candidate to serve on the board. I want to make sure that not just my child, but that all children receive the best education possible.
I thank you for your consideration.
Bill Shaub was born in Grand Rapids, MI and grew up in Lockport, IL. He is the oldest of four boys. He was a multi-sport athlete in high school and was recruited to play football at Millikin University, where he played all four years. Bill was also a Millikin defensive line coach for one year as he completed his double major. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in History as well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary Education. After student teaching at Decatur MacArthur High School and serving as the high school girls softball coach, Bill was offered a full-time management position with Walgreens, where he’d been working part-time as a photo clerk. Fifteen years later, Bill continues to work for Walgreens as a District Manager. Bill is married to Lindsey Shaub, an individual aide at Petersburg Elementary and PORTA junior high volleyball coach, and they have two children, Trace, a 6th grader, and Tristan, a 3rd grader, both at PORTA Central.
Bill has been a volunteer teacher for 7 years for the Junior Achievement Program, an organization which teaches children to value free enterprise as well as basic financial management skills. He has also served on numerous boards of directors, among them, the Bourbonnais Bears Youth Football Organization, Kanakakee County Drug Court, having served as president for one year, Committee Member for the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Riverside Hospital PULSE Board Member.
A month after moving to Petersburg in 2015 from Bourbonnais, IL, Bill began volunteering as a coach with the Petersburg Junior Football program as well as the PORTA wrestling program.
Message from the candidate: the reason I have chosen to run for school board is to be an advocate for both the students and the parents. I enjoy being involved with the community and I hope to support an already established school system with a new perspective.
Bill has been a volunteer teacher for 7 years for the Junior Achievement Program, an organization which teaches children to value free enterprise as well as basic financial management skills. He has also served on numerous boards of directors, among them, the Bourbonnais Bears Youth Football Organization, Kanakakee County Drug Court, having served as president for one year, Committee Member for the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Riverside Hospital PULSE Board Member.
A month after moving to Petersburg in 2015 from Bourbonnais, IL, Bill began volunteering as a coach with the Petersburg Junior Football program as well as the PORTA wrestling program.
Message from the candidate: the reason I have chosen to run for school board is to be an advocate for both the students and the parents. I enjoy being involved with the community and I hope to support an already established school system with a new perspective.
Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith was born and raised in Petersburg, IL and has continued to live here all his life. He graduated from PORTA High School in 1989 and from the University of Illinois in 1992. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Economics, Jeff worked as a substitute teacher while continuing his career in the agricultural field. Now, Jeff farms full time with his father on the family farm west of Petersburg. Jeff has one son, Luke, who is currently a freshman at PORTA High School.
Jeff has volunteered to coach many youth sports, including baseball, basketball and soccer. He is also on the Menard County Soil and Water Board where he serves as Treasurer.
Message from the Candidate—I have chosen to run for the PORTA School Board so I can contribute to the well-being of our school district. During the last two years, I have served on the negotiating committee with certified staff and on the building and grounds committee. Now that I have a better understanding of the budget, I appreciate both its constraints and complexities. After serving on the PORTA School Board the last two years, I know the time commitment and am willing to serve the school and community.
Jeff Smith was born and raised in Petersburg, IL and has continued to live here all his life. He graduated from PORTA High School in 1989 and from the University of Illinois in 1992. After graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Economics, Jeff worked as a substitute teacher while continuing his career in the agricultural field. Now, Jeff farms full time with his father on the family farm west of Petersburg. Jeff has one son, Luke, who is currently a freshman at PORTA High School.
Jeff has volunteered to coach many youth sports, including baseball, basketball and soccer. He is also on the Menard County Soil and Water Board where he serves as Treasurer.
Message from the Candidate—I have chosen to run for the PORTA School Board so I can contribute to the well-being of our school district. During the last two years, I have served on the negotiating committee with certified staff and on the building and grounds committee. Now that I have a better understanding of the budget, I appreciate both its constraints and complexities. After serving on the PORTA School Board the last two years, I know the time commitment and am willing to serve the school and community.
Ashley Trueblood and her husband, Kerry, have been residents of Petersburg for the last 17 years. She has one child in the district and one that graduated from Porta High School in 2016. Ashley is the K-6 art teacher (13 years) and district union president for Athens Schools. She also has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She values teachers and their educated perspectives when it comes to solving problems within the district.
Mrs. Trueblood made the decision to run for School board because of some of the truly amazing teachers her children have encountered during their time in the district. Her oldest son, Clayton is now at Murray State University where he is working successfully for his degree in Agricultural Business because of the tremendous influence of teachers and staff in the district. Ashley has found in her experience as a teacher that the teachers are the heart and soul in any district.
Ashley has also worked closely with several organizations and fundraisers in the district throughout the past few years. Her own small business, Picasso On The Prairie (whose mission is to bring arts enrichment and education to adults and children alike) has hosted numerous fundraisers and supports for various district organizations, giving her a unique insight into the skills and needs of several school groups.
Mrs. Trueblood made the decision to run for School board because of some of the truly amazing teachers her children have encountered during their time in the district. Her oldest son, Clayton is now at Murray State University where he is working successfully for his degree in Agricultural Business because of the tremendous influence of teachers and staff in the district. Ashley has found in her experience as a teacher that the teachers are the heart and soul in any district.
Ashley has also worked closely with several organizations and fundraisers in the district throughout the past few years. Her own small business, Picasso On The Prairie (whose mission is to bring arts enrichment and education to adults and children alike) has hosted numerous fundraisers and supports for various district organizations, giving her a unique insight into the skills and needs of several school groups.
Robert “Toby” Turek
I was born and raised in Petersburg, and graduated from PORTA in 2000. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Business Administration. I currently work for the Illinois State Board of Education in the Federal and State Monitoring Division. I am familiar with school finance as my job entails auditing school district programs including General State Aid, Transportation, Title I & II and many others.
I have a long history of volunteering my services at the PORTA School District from coaching wrestling, compiling stats for football and helping in the construction of the fitness center. I view service on the school board as the greatest way to give back to the community that started my life of learning. I have a strong desire to ensure that the students of the PORTA School District get the best education possible.
I was born and raised in Petersburg, and graduated from PORTA in 2000. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Business Administration. I currently work for the Illinois State Board of Education in the Federal and State Monitoring Division. I am familiar with school finance as my job entails auditing school district programs including General State Aid, Transportation, Title I & II and many others.
I have a long history of volunteering my services at the PORTA School District from coaching wrestling, compiling stats for football and helping in the construction of the fitness center. I view service on the school board as the greatest way to give back to the community that started my life of learning. I have a strong desire to ensure that the students of the PORTA School District get the best education possible.
Ryan Woods
Ryan Woods currently is employed for the Illinois State Police as a Trooper. Received a Bachelor's degree in both Accountancy and Business Administration from UIS. My wife and I have lived in Petersburg since 2006 on a farm my grandfather bought in the 1940's. I have two kids, one in first grade and the other in second grade at Petersburg Elementary. They currently participate in basketball, baseball, wrestling, cheerleading, and swimming at PORTA. I have been a volunteer coach for both basketball and baseball in the Petersburg community.
My experience in Accountancy and Business Administration would be beneficial to balancing budgets and making difficult financial decisions associated with the school. My work experience has provided me with an advanced ability to make tough decisions in a stressful environment. I am interested in serving on the school board to ensure continued and future success of the PORTA school district.
Ryan Woods currently is employed for the Illinois State Police as a Trooper. Received a Bachelor's degree in both Accountancy and Business Administration from UIS. My wife and I have lived in Petersburg since 2006 on a farm my grandfather bought in the 1940's. I have two kids, one in first grade and the other in second grade at Petersburg Elementary. They currently participate in basketball, baseball, wrestling, cheerleading, and swimming at PORTA. I have been a volunteer coach for both basketball and baseball in the Petersburg community.
My experience in Accountancy and Business Administration would be beneficial to balancing budgets and making difficult financial decisions associated with the school. My work experience has provided me with an advanced ability to make tough decisions in a stressful environment. I am interested in serving on the school board to ensure continued and future success of the PORTA school district.