Board Members and Info

Vision Statement

Liberty School District will equip the whole student with knowledge, skills, and character to achieve personal success as they "Soar to Excellence."

Mission Statement
Liberty Works! Liberty works to empower ALL in a caring, nurturing environment to develop individuals academically, socially, emotionally, and physically to reach their own Excellence!

The Long-Range Planning Committee Process

In March 2018, Liberty Schools held a meeting with the support of Illinois Association of School Boards staff to discuss the school district's long-term needs, establish strategic goals, develop cohesive Mission and Vision Statements, and identify areas where attention should be directed. This meeting was open to the community and attracted about 50 people from the school community—residents, parents, staff, and students.

An outline of the event goals and process is linked here.

As a result of this effort, several small committees were formed to focus on addressing specific areas of concern. Each committee will have at least one board member, admin staff member, and district employee. Most committees meet periodically in the evening at the school, but some will hold virtual meetings to respect time commitments and encourage participation.

Are you interested in participating in one of these committees when openings occur for the 2024-2025 school year?

Please complete this form.

Community Relationship Committee
This committee works on building and fostering a strong school/community relationship.

Committee Members
Jody Obert - ES Principal / parent
Andrea Sims - Board member / parent
Jeanne Cramsey - Community member / parent
Shelby Crow - Community member / parent

Construction Committee (sub-group of Facilities and Physical Plant)
This committee addressed the district's long-term needs, focusing on significant renovation and construction projects requiring large capital investments. This group was spawned from the Facilities Committee in late 2019. Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic temporarily halted this committee’s activities due to the economic downturn, which made soliciting vendor bids or quotes difficult. Formal committee activity resumed in late 2022.

Committee Members
Cullen Duke - Community member / parent
Trent Grotz - Maintenance Director / parent
Michael Smith - Technology Director
Kelle Bunch - Superintendent
Andy Derhake - Community member / parent
Joel Mixer - Board Member / parent
Mark Field - Community member / parent
Jody Obert - ES Principal / parent
Jackie Steckler - ES Teacher
Kobi Blair - ES Teacher / parent
Krista Tenhouse - SPED Coordinator
Kyle Hannel - Community member / parent

Facilities and Physical Plant Committee
This committee reviews the day-to-day operations and management of the facilities and recommends projects and processes for maintaining the school buildings and grounds. Larger projects (e.g., renovations and construction) are referred to the Construction Committee.

Committee Members
Andy Derhake - Community member / parent
Cullen Duke - Community member
Trent Grotz - Maintenance Director / parent
Michael Smith - Technology Director
BJ Fessler - Transportation Director / parent
Joel Mixer - Board Member / parent
Dave Obert - Board Member / parent
Krista Tenhouse - SPED Coordinator

District Finance Committee
This committee provides oversight, reviews the district's fiscal operations and policies, and makes recommendations to the board regarding financial management.

Committee Members
Kelle Bunch - Superintendent
Johnny Baucom - Board member / parent
Adam Lee - HS Teacher / parent
Jackie Steckler -ES Teacher
Mark Field - Community member / parent

Policy Committee
This committee reviews the policies required by law and ISBE regulations and how they impact school operations, making suggestions for how to modify or amend these policies locally to support district operations and community needs best.

Committee Members
Kelle Bunch - Superintendent
Sara Reichert - HS teacher / parent
Rachel Whitlock - HS teacher / parent

Student Success & Programs Committee

This committee strives to create an effective network of faculty, administrators, students, parents, and community members dedicated to improving student success. Student success is a comprehensive, holistic effort involving every facet of the institution. The committee oversees a broad range of matters to continually coordinate efforts to improve Liberty CUSD 2's educational effectiveness.

Committee Members
Dan Sparrow - AD-Dean of Students / parent
Justin Adams - HS Counselor / parent
Kayla Derhake - Board member / parent
Bridgette Ormond - Community member / parent
Stephanie Hodgson - JH Teacher / parent
Rochelle Luaders - HS Teacher / parent
Jamie Mixer - Community member/parent
Rose Schoonover - Community member/parent
Laura Meyer - Community member/parent
Jessica Funk - Community member

Technology Committee

The Technology Committee's goal is to guide the use of technology throughout the district. Technology plays a significant role in supporting instruction and providing for efficient district operations. The committee meets regularly to review the technology used in our schools, looking for opportunities to improve upon it and planning for meeting our future challenges. Cybersecurity and student data privacy are critical components of the Technology Department, and this committee reviews the activities that support these.

Committee Members
Michael Smith - Technology Director
Kelle Bunch - Superintendent
Kayla Derhake - Board Member / parent
Jody Obert - ES Principal / parent
Kimberly Harrison - JH/HS Principal
Kobi Blair - ES Teacher / parent
Melissa Edgar - ES Teacher / parent
Stephanie Hodgson - JH Teacher / parent
Tennille Gimm - RTI Coordinator / parent

Liberty Board of Education

Who we are

Long Range Planning Committees

Meet the Board