Elementary board gets update on SIU partnership

In her first meeting as Carbondale Elementary School District 95 superintendent, Janice Pavelonis updated the Board of Education on the district's partnership with Southern Illinois University.

Welcomed by President Catherine Field and the rest of the board at the July 8 meeting, Pavelonis was about one week into her new job, which she took over on July 1 from Daniel Booth, who is now superintendent at Carbondale Community High School. Pavelonis was formerly District 95's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

She said she is still getting used to having just "superintendent" as her title, while offering thanks to staff who have eased her transition. "It really feels good to be in early July and everybody is on the same page," she said.

Reporting on the memorandum of understanding with SIU, which was inked in May, Pavelonis told the board she had recently met for the first time with SIUC Chancellor Austin Lane and an array of representatives at the university, covering academic affairs, student affairs, admissions, athletics and Greek organizations.

Pavelonis said Chancellor Lane is very "action oriented" on getting the partnership underway. Palns are to offer after-school programming, mentoring and summer camps at SIUC. Field trips for each grade level was also discussed, Pavelonis said, so at the end of eight years, District 95 graduates will be well-acquainted with SIU.