Urbana hires Barkstall Elementary School principal for administrative role

In an effort to enhance educational opportunities and promote equity within the Urbana School District, two new administrative roles were approved at the Urbana Board of Education’s meeting on Tuesday night. The Board approved the appointment of Chasity Beckless as the Director of Equity and School Improvement and Jessica Bradford as the Director of Curriculum and Student Learning.

Chasity Beckless, currently serving as principal for Lincoln Elementary School in Evanston, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She previously worked as an equity leader for the “Urbana Leading for Equity” initiative and as an Equity Programming Assistant Principal for the Champaign school district. Beckless’s dedication to promoting equity and improving school outcomes will be a valuable asset to the Urbana School District.

Jessica Bradford, who has been serving as the principal of Barkstall Elementary School since 2018, will also bring her extensive experience to the role of Director of Curriculum and Student Learning. With over 20 years in education, including work at the Danville School District and Urbana High School, Bradford is well-equipped to lead efforts to enhance curriculum and student learning in Urbana.

Both Beckless and Bradford will begin their new roles on July 1, and the Urbana School District has expressed excitement about welcoming these two experienced leaders back to the Urbana community. Their appointments come at a time of transition within the district, as other Champaign elementary school principals, including Craig Keer of Carrie Busey Elementary School and Jaime Roundtree of Booker T. Washington STEM Academy, have also announced plans to leave their positions for opportunities within the Urbana School District.

The departure of these principals from the Champaign school district underscores the importance of providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the education system. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for school districts to attract and retain talented leaders who are committed to advancing student success and promoting equity in education.

The Urbana School District’s decision to appoint Beckless and Bradford to these key administrative roles signals a commitment to meeting the needs of all students and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion within the district. With their leadership and expertise, Beckless and Bradford will play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Urbana and ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality, equitable education.

Written by staticwire