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The Register-Mail

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Galesburg schools pick next superintendent who will start in 2027

The Galesburg Community Unit School District 205 Board of Education has selected Sheila Coussens-Martin as its next superintendent, with the transition set for July 1, 2027. The board approved the hiring, according to a community announcement. Coussens-Martin will succeed John Asplund, who is scheduled to retire June 30, 2027. Coussens-Martin brings more than 25 years of experience in Illinois public education. Since 2019, she has served as assistant superintendent of curriculum and personnel at Pekin Community High School, overseeing curriculum, instruction and human resources while also supporting district operations, financial management and collective bargaining. During her time in Pekin, the district expanded career and technical education, dual-credit, Advanced Placement and special education opportunities. The district also improved graduation and ninth-grade on-track rates, increased participation in work-based learning and expanded partnerships with local businesses and Illinois Central College, according to the announcement. Before joining district-level leadership, Coussens-Martin held roles as assistant principal of teaching and learning, instructional methods facilitator and English department chair. Her career began as a teacher and coach in the Bushnell-Prairie City, Galva and Canton school districts. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Notre Dame and master's, education specialist and doctoral degrees from Western Illinois