Episodes

  • Passing the Torch: A Career Retrospective with Mark E. Jontry

    Passing the Torch: A Career Retrospective with Mark E. Jontry
    Apr 21 2026
    After 18 years at the helm of ROE #17 and over 30 years in Illinois education, Regional Superintendent Mark E. Jontry is preparing to retire. In this special episode, we flip the script and put Mark in the guest chair. He reflects on his journey from a Tri-Valley teacher to a statewide leader in education policy. We discuss the legacy of the programs he helped build, including RAS and the Central Illinois Bridge Academy, and hear his vision for the future of the office as he prepares to hand over the reins. Join us for a look at three decades of service to the students, educators, and families of DeWitt, Livingston, Logan, and McLean counties.
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    15 mins
  • Licensure Renewal and Educator Pathways with Phaedra Morris

    Licensure Renewal and Educator Pathways with Phaedra Morris
    Apr 7 2026
    With renewal season officially open, Phaedra breaks down the "must-check" items in your ELIS account to avoid last-minute surprises on June 30. We also discuss the various "short-term" licensure pathways now available for those looking to enter the classroom from other fields. Whether you are a veteran teacher in your renewal year or someone considering a career change into education, Phaedra's expert advice and "golden rule" for licensure will help you navigate the system with confidence.
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    9 mins
  • Beyond the Dates: Understanding the School Calendar Process with Victoria Padilla

    Beyond the Dates: Understanding the School Calendar Process with Victoria Padilla
    Mar 10 2026
    Have you ever wondered why school starts when it does, or why exactly five "emergency days" are built into every schedule? In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, we turn the mic on one of our own: Victoria Padilla. Victoria walks us through the complex legal requirements and the "math" behind the Illinois school calendar. We discuss the 176-day attendance mandate, how the ROE ensures districts meet state standards, and the difference between instructional and non-instructional time. Victoria also sheds light on how holidays, parent-teacher conferences, and E-Learning days are integrated into the official calendar before it ever reaches the State Board of Education. If you've ever been curious about the "how" and "why" behind your student's school year, this episode is for you!
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    13 mins
  • Leading the Leaders with Dr. Stacie France

    Leading the Leaders with Dr. Stacie France
    Feb 24 2026
    In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, we dive into the vital world of professional learning and leadership development for school administrators. We are joined by Dr. Stacie France, the ROE # 17 Director of Professional Learning. Stacie is a specialist in administrator coaching, and we discuss how the role of the principal has evolved and what skills are non-negotiable for today’s educational leaders. We explore the "adult learning" challenge—how busy administrators can find time for their own growth while managing the daily needs of their buildings—and the unique journey of transitioning from the classroom to the front office.
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    9 mins
  • 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
  • Connecting is Protecting: School Safety and Relationships with SRO Jeremy Flood

    Connecting is Protecting: School Safety and Relationships with SRO Jeremy Flood
    Nov 4 2025
    On this episode of the ROE #17 POD, we welcome Officer Jeremy Flood, a School Resource Officer for McLean County Unit 5, who has served the students of Normal Community High School for the past decade. With over 20 years of experience as a Normal Police Officer, Officer Flood shares how he applies his practical and tactical expertise to ensure school safety. Listen in as he discusses the crucial importance of relationships in his role and explains how his powerful philosophy, "connecting is protecting," guides his approach to working with the school community every day.
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    7 mins