Episodes

  • 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
  • It Takes One Caring Adult with Ian Earley

    It Takes One Caring Adult with Ian Earley
    Oct 7 2025
    In this episode of the ROE #17 POD, we sit down with Ian Earley, the new Principal at RAS (Regional Alternative School) Livingston County. Ian offers a unique perspective, having previously taught at the school before stepping into the leadership role this year. We discuss how his years in the classroom directly inform his leadership style, as he stresses the profound importance of building relationships, consistently showing up for students, and being that one caring adult who can make a difference. Ian also highlights the valuable vocational opportunities currently available to students and shares his inspiring goals for expanding and growing this vital program area.
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    17 mins
  • All About ROE # 17 with Mark Jontry & Molly Allen

    All About ROE # 17 with Mark Jontry & Molly Allen
    Sep 9 2025
    In our 75th episode, we sit down with Regional Superintendent Mark E. Jontry and Assistant Regional Superintendent Molly Allen for a special conversation all about ROE #17. They reintroduce the Regional Office of Education and its new brand, and explain our core mission, who we serve, and the wide range of services we provide. Mark and Molly also discuss the current educational landscape, our dedication to student achievement, and how ROE #17 serves as a vital resource for our local schools and communities.
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    10 mins
  • The Impact of Inclusion with Brent Harms & Andrea Nunamaker

    The Impact of Inclusion with Brent Harms & Andrea Nunamaker
    May 13 2025
    In this episode, we speak with Mr. Harms, a dedicated fourth-grade teacher, and Ms. Nunamaker, a passionate paraprofessional from Ridgeview Elementary. Recently honored for their exceptional commitment to inclusive education, as highlighted in a WGLT news article, they share their insights and experiences in creating a welcoming and supportive classroom environment for all students. Hear about their collaborative approach, the challenges they've overcome, and the profound impact of inclusion on their students and the entire school community.
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    10 mins
  • Education is Relationships with Tyler Swearingen

    Education is Relationships with Tyler Swearingen
    Apr 29 2025
    In this engaging episode, we sit down with Tyler Swearingen, the incredibly involved principal of Tri-Valley Elementary! More than just an administrator, Tyler is a visible and active presence in every aspect of the school day. From directing traffic as a crossing guard to assisting in classrooms and supervising recess, Tyler's hands-on leadership style and genuine care for his 350 students shine through. He shares his education journey and emphasizes the profound importance of building strong relationships and fostering a caring environment for all children. Get ready to be inspired by Tyler's dedication to his students and the Tri-Valley community!
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    22 mins
  • Igniting Curiosity with Carmen Daubs

    Igniting Curiosity with Carmen Daubs
    Apr 15 2025
    In this episode, we chat with Carmen Daubs, a 2nd-grade teacher at Northwest Elementary School in Lincoln ESD # 27. She is a dedicated educator passionate about creating enriching learning experiences for her students!
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    6 mins