Urbana community members and Urbana School District #116 (USD #116) parents welcomed newly-appointed USD #116 superintendent Jennifer Ivory-Tatum with open arms during Tuesday evening’s Meet and Greet event at Urbana High School.
The appearance was Ivory-Tatum’s first after being appointed USD #116’s superintendent during a special board meeting on Sunday, May 20. USD #116 parents and Urbana community members gathered in the Urbana High School Commons to welcome Ivory-Tatum back into the district and to voice their concerns about relations between USD #116 students, staff and administration.
“There’s much work to be done. I’m hearing that even tonight,” Ivory-Tatum told WCIA during the event. “But I knew that going in, and I’m ready for it.”
In attendance were several USD #116 Board of Education members and employees to greet Ivory-Tatum with a warm welcome. Parents from The District’s PTA groups were also in attendance to fill in Ivory-Tatum on what needs to be done to improve relations between The District and its students as the upcoming school year draws near.
Superintendent Ivory-Tatum talking with Urbana community members 
Superintendent Ivory-Tatum talking to the local news stations 
Superintendent Ivory-Tatum’s congratulations cakes 
Superintendent Ivory-Tatum with her congratulations cakes 
Superintendent Ivory-Tatum talking to the local news stations
Throughout the night, Ivory-Tatum expressed the importance of improving those relations, but the newly appointed superintendent first plans on listening to the community’s thoughts and concerns to ensure that the needs of parents, students, teachers and administrators are being met. Upon her official start date of July 1, Ivory-Tatum plans to meet with USD #116 PTA groups and employees to assess their needs and ensure that their voices are heard as she works to take The District to new heights.
Since Ivory-Tatum left The District in 2017, the community has been extremely supportive of her endeavors. This support has increased since The District announced her as superintendent, and she plans to use that support to fuel her work in reengaging the community and creating more positive relationships.