HR0862 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0862 LRB104 21705 ECR 37303 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat, a nationally awarded servant leader in public education, on the occasion of her retirement at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year after eleven distinguished years as superintendent of Peoria Public Schools District 150; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat, originally from Dominica and St. Croix, has called Illinois home throughout her professional life, receiving her bachelor's and master's degrees from Bradley University and her doctorate from Illinois State University, bringing to her work the perspective of a global citizen and the rigor of an Illinois-trained scholar; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat began her career in education as a middle school teacher in Peoria in 1998, and she has since served at every level of public education, including as assistant principal of Roosevelt Magnet School, principal of Whittier Primary School, a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School, and principal of Manual High School; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat's service to Illinois students has extended well beyond Peoria, including her tenure as transformation officer for Springfield Public Schools District 186 and associate superintendent in Danville before returning to Peoria as superintendent of Peoria Public Schools District 150 in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her 11 years as superintendent of Peoria Public Schools District 150, Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat has reimagined education to ignite student passion and to ensure that every learner has access to a wide variety of opportunities, guided by her strategic vision "Reimagining Schools to Ignite Student Passion"; and

WHEREAS, Under Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat's leadership, Peoria Public Schools District 150 has expanded career and technical education, improved student attendance, eliminated a $14 million structural deficit, eliminated teacher vacancies, implemented a modified calendar, and launched the Wraparound Center in 2018, bringing community agencies together under one roof to support students, families, and adults in need; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat led Peoria Public Schools District 150 to become one of only a few districts in the nation approved as a federal J-1 Visa Sponsor, recruiting more than 200 international teachers from 16 countries and increasing staff diversity from 11% to 25%, strengthening both classroom instruction and the cultural richness of the district; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat forged a decade-long partnership with Caterpillar Inc. that has expanded opportunities for Peoria students, and she has driven measurable gains in student outcomes, with graduation rates rising from 65% to 81% and ninth-grade success improving from 74% to 86%; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat's exemplary leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including her selection as the 2025 Illinois Superintendent of the Year, three national awards, and her selection as a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat's enduring commitment to innovation, partnership, and student-centered outcomes has shaped the lives of countless students and families in Peoria, Springfield, Danville, and throughout the State of Illinois, and her legacy will continue to inspire educators and leaders for generations to come; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat on her retirement as superintendent of Peoria Public Schools District 150, honor her remarkable career in public education, and extend our deepest gratitude for her decades of service to the children of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat as a symbol of our esteem and respect.