Meg Thurman named new director of student services for Sycamore school district
A member of the Springfield District 186 cabinet is leaving for a job in northern Illinois.
Meg Thurman, executive director of student support services for the district, has been named the new director of student services for the Sycamore Community School District in an announcement made Wednesday.
Thurman will start the cabinet-level job on July 1.
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The Sycamore school district has about 3,600 students. Sycamore is in DeKalb County, about 60 miles west of Chicago.
Thurman will report to Nick Reineck, the district's assistant superintendent for human resources and educational programs.
Student support services for District 186 provides outreach to students with disabilities from preschool through high school graduation.
The office also provides specialized services to students with limited English proficiency, students with health needs and students with social emotional needs.
There are 77 employees in the area, according to the district's website.
Lauren Holtz, a spokeswoman for the Sycamore district, said there are approximately 150 special education staff members there.
Holtz said it is the not the policy of the district to discuss details of contracts, including salaries, until they are finalized.
Thurman is a nationally certified school psychologist. She also holds Illinois State Board of Education certification in educational leadership and director of special education approval.
“The exceptional educational system is a testament to the dedicated leaders, teachers, services providers and community present in the Sycamore Community School District," Thurman said. "I am eager to work with them building upon the momentum that has been started here. As director of student services, I look forward to supporting our diverse learners and meeting their goals through exceptional services and education. I will work to create a community that embraces the strength in our differences and to enhance opportunities to empower all abilities.”
Thurman's husband, Lance Thurman, the former school superintendent for the Riverton and Rochester districts, serves as executive director of secondary schools & programs.
Superintendent Jennifer Gill said in a statement Wednesday that he is "fully committed to District 186 and the work he is doing with our middle and high schools as well as the development of career pathways in partnership with our community and local businesses" and will remain in Springfield.
Gill said the district will immediately begin the search for Meg Thurman's position.
"I am appreciative of the work and service to students that Meg Thurman and the student support services team of administrators and educators have done together over the years and the goals and forward thinking that will still continue," Gill said.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788, sspearie@sj-r.com, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: A Springfield School District leader has a new job in Sycamore IL
