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ROE 17 POD

ROE 17 POD

By: Regional Office of Education # 17
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About this listen

 Education is empowerment. Join Regional Office of Education # 17, an educational service agency in Central Illinois as we interview different educators, leaders, innovators, and creators who are reimagining PK-12 education. Join us every other week on Tuesdays!Copyright 2026 ROE 17 POD Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Beyond the Classroom with Devon Whitsey

    Beyond the Classroom with Devon Whitsey
    Feb 10 2026
    What is it really like to attend an alternative school? In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, we sit down with Devon Whitsey, a former student of the Regional Alternative School (RAS), to hear his firsthand account of life outside the traditional high school setting. Devon opens up about the highs and lows of his experience, explaining how the unique environment at RAS fundamentally changed the trajectory of his high school education. We discuss what Devon is up to now and what he wants the community to know about RAS. Co-hosted with RAS Bloomington Principal, Kara Quick, this is a must-listen for educators, parents, and students alike.
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    12 mins
  • Safe Schools, Solid Foundations: Health-Life Safety with Pat Durley

    Safe Schools, Solid Foundations: Health-Life Safety with Pat Durley
    Jan 27 2026
    In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, Regional Superintendent Mark Jontry sits down with Pat Durley, a former Regional Superintendent and current School and District Support Specialist. Pat brings a wealth of experience as a mentor and administrator to a conversation on one of the most critical behind-the-scenes aspects of education: Health-Life Safety (HLS). We demystify what HLS actually means for Illinois schools, from the annual inspections that ensure student well-being to the comprehensive 10-Year HLS Survey. Pat explains the unique building standards schools must meet—which often exceed those of typical businesses—and outlines the ROE’s essential role in overseeing these safety benchmarks. Whether you are an administrator preparing for an inspection or a community member curious about school infrastructure, this episode offers an expert look at how we keep our learning environments safe, sanitary, and fit for occupancy.
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    11 mins
  • Illinois Birth to Five with Melissa Breeden

    Illinois Birth to Five with Melissa Breeden
    Nov 18 2025
    In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, we welcome Melissa Breeden, Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois: Region 17. We delve into the organization's critical work of redesigning the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system. Melissa explains the mission to center the family experience and how the local Region 17 Council translates statewide goals into actionable plans. Listen in to learn about their crucial collaboration with local childcare facilities and K-12 schools, the service gaps they are actively addressing, and how their efforts are helping to build a stronger educational foundation for the region's youngest learners. https://www.birthtofiveil.com/region17 https://idec.illinois.gov/
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    9 mins
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