The Urbana Board of Education approved the appointment of the District’s first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at its Aug. 3rd Board of Education meeting.  

Dr. Brandon Caffey was appointed as the Director of DEI. Dr. Caffey started his career as a History and Social Science teacher in the Peoria Public Schools. He also served as the Principal of Greeley Alternative School in Peoria and Assistant Principal of Peoria Richwoods High School.

Dr. Caffey currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Normal Community West High School. He is the creative visionary and founder of the Normal West Black Student Union, the Umoja African-American High School Graduation Ceremony and the Right of Passage: Father & Son Breakfast in the Bloomington/Normal Community.

Dr. Caffey’s professional and civic involvement has earned various accolades including: Peoria School District Principal of Year, the Town of Normal’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Relations Award, Alton High School Distinguished Alumni, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Brother of the Year (Illinois District and Midwest Region).

Dr. Caffey received Bachelor Degrees in Sociology and History Education, a Master’s Degree in Education Administration, and a Doctoral Degree in Education Administration from Illinois State University.

“This new role is critical to moving Urbana #116 forward,” said Superintendent, Dr. Jennifer Ivory-Tatum. “We will now have a designated position to bring forward data, professional development, and innovation for improvements needed to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of our most underserved students.”

The purpose of creating this position was to have an administrator work directly with the Superintendent, District and Building Administrators, and staff to reach the District’s goals in providing an equitable education for all students.