Bio:
I grew up in Jasper County and attended JCCU1 schools (Rose Hill, Hidalgo, Yale, Newton Central, and NCHS) from Kindergarten through 12th grade.  I was a 1999 graduate of NCHS.  Upon graduating, I continued my education at the University of Illinois and earned a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering.  After working for a civil engineering firm in St. Louis for 3 years after college, I was fortunate to have an opportunity to move back to Jasper County.  I have worked at the Marathon Refinery in Robinson for the past 15 years and am currently an Engineering Supervisor.  

Alissa and I are the proud parents of four daughters.  One daughter attends Eastern Illinois University, two are current JCCU1 students, and the youngest will attend JCCU1 in the near future.  In addition to being on the school board, my wife and I are active members of our church.

Why:
The reason I wanted to serve on the school board was to be part of the team of people who are striving to educate the children of our community.  I want to help lead the district in continuing to provide the best education possible, in a financially responsible manner.  I am passionate about keeping our facilities in the best shape possible, so they are usable for future students of the district, for many years to come.  I also feel that the school board is here to serve all taxpayers of the district, and I intend on representing everyone’s interests as I serve.  I have been afforded many opportunities over the years as a result of the solid education I received while attending JCCU1 schools and I feel honored to have an opportunity to help in whatever way I can to make these opportunities available to future generations of this community.

Bio:
I have been in the Jasper County Community Unit #1 school district since 2003.  I am a Property and Casualty Insurance Producer in which I have held my license for 9 years. I sit on the Board of Directors for Bishop Mutual Insurance Company in Dieterich, IL and have served on numerous committees, including payroll, investment, and the scholarship committees.  I am currently working on my Farm Mutual Directors Certification.  

In addition to being a member of the school board, I am blessed to participate in the mentoring program in our school district. I am a member of the Newton Junior Woman's Club and enjoy volunteering in our community.  I am also very active in my church and teach classes in our Wednesday night youth program.  

I have been married to Dan Utley for 17 years and we have 4 children, Ashten, Brianna, Cierrah, and Bud.   We are members of New Beginnings Church of Newton in which Dan serves on the security team and I serve as the assistant treasurer.  In our free time, we enjoy watching our children participate in their extracurricular activities, hunting and being outdoors, and hanging out with our friends and family.  We love to take Sunday rides on our side by side and travel anywhere with a beach!

Why:
I have a sincere interest in the education and success of ALL kids in our district.  It is crucial that we help prepare each child for their life after high school.  Being in a small school district our children will have to compete with students from much larger districts, who have more resources.  It is evident that we need to equip our children the very best we can with the resources we have by focusing on each student's interests and talents.  In a world of unknowns, I am ready and willing to put forth the efforts it takes to stand up for our students, teachers, and staff.  I am dedicated to serve our community with integrity and full commitment to the policies of the board which will improve the education, safety, and health of our students.  As a board member, I will contribute to lead in the best interest of the entire district in our fiduciary duties to our community members. I will respectfully listen to those who communicate with the board and seek to understand their views.  The children are my ultimate focus, but will also focus on being conduit on creating stronger ties between parents/teachers and the school board.

Bio:
Holly is a graduate of Newton Community High School and lived in Newton her whole life. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Illinois State University, a Master's degree in Nursing education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Holly has worked as a nurse and a nursing instructor at area hospitals and colleges since 1997. She is currently the Chair of the Gail & Richard Lumpkin School of Nursing and an Associate professor at Eastern Illinois University. 

Holly is married to Chad Farley who is also a graduate of Newton High School. He earned a degree in Economics and Aviation from the University of Illinois. Chad is the vice-president of the Farley Agency in Newton. Chad and Holly have three sons. Two have graduated from Newton High School and now attend the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The youngest attends Jasper County Junior High. Chad and Holly enjoy volunteering for youth sports activities in the district and the community.

In addition to serving on the school board, Holly is on the engagement committee for the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, a mentor for the American Nurses Association, member of the National League of Nurses, Director for the board of the American Nurses Association Illinois and member of the Diversity and inclusion committee, member of the diversity, equity, and inclusion committee for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Why:
I believe in our community and our kids are our future. A strong education system that allows students to be successful in life is the reason I serve on the JCCU1 school board. 

Bio:
I was fortunate enough to move to Jasper County to start my 6thgrade school year at Muddy Jr High. I then went on to graduate from Newton Community High School. After high school I went to Nursing school at Olney Central College and received my Associate’s in Applied Science which allowed me to become a Registered Nurse. I worked at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital for 11 years, and have now been at the Jasper County Health Dept for 10 years. More recently in April of 2020, I completed my Bachelor’s in Nursing degree through Western Governors University. I am honored to serve my community through various volunteer positions. I am currently a proud Shriner’s wife, and a member of our local Newton Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. I sit as Secretary on the Jasper County E911 board. Also, in a School Board related position, I am the current Director of the Wabash Valley Division, sitting on the IASB (Illinois Association of School Boards) board of directors.

I have been with my husband Gary Rieman for 18 years, who was born and raised here in Jasper County. He graduated from Newton Community High School and then graduated from Lakeland College with an Associate’s degree in Ag Mechanics, and he is currently the Service Manager at MTS (Midwest Tractor Sales) here in Newton. He is the current President of the Jasper County Shrine Club, member of the Ainad Shrine temple, member of the Newton Masonic Lodge, and member of the Newton Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. We have been blessed with a daughter, Paige, who is currently a student here at Jasper County Jr High School. 

Why:
I decided a long time ago, as my daughter was just beginning her career as a student, that I would do everything in my power to help her succeed and achieve her dreams. But she should not be the only one, I feel that every student should be given that same opportunity to flourish. So, I chose to run for the school board to help in making that a reality for my daughter and all other students as well. Being on the school board allows me to be a part of the team that: strives to assist our administration & teachers to meet & exceed academic standards with their students, works diligently to be fiscally responsible with tax payer & grant monies, evaluates & acts on needed repairs and/or upgrades required to maintain sound facilities, and creates a safe environment for our children to soar. One can not make a difference if they are not willing to jump in and do the work. I am blessed to be able to put in that work for our Jasper County School District.

Bio:
Bill and his wife Karen were born and raised in Jasper County.  Their careers took them to other Midwest regions.  After retiring 12 years ago, they moved back to their home town of Newton.  Bill earned a Chemical Engineering Degree from the University of Illinois.  He was employed by the Dow Chemical Company for 36 years, working in various departments, including Research, Manufacturing, Construction, and Technology Management.  His wife, Karen worked as an RN in the medical field, in various specialty departments.  They have one son, Ryan, who is a teaching professional.

As a retiree, Bill has committed his time to the community.   He has served as a mentor in the Elementary school for 10 years; a coach and board member for the local soccer league; and as a volunteer at the Master’s Hands and Honey-Do Ministries.  He also serves as the 4th and 5th grade Children’s Ministry teacher at his local church and is a member of the church’s Personnel Committee.

Why:
Bill has a passion for the development, achievement, and success of students.  He believes that great schools will develop capable students ready to enter the workforce or continue further in their academic education.  Capable and well-prepared graduates will grow the local community.   Bill sees serving as a School Board member an honor and a valuable way to partner with the community, parents and schools to continue to make a difference in our student’s lives.

Bio:
I am a lifelong resident of Jasper County and a 1994 graduate of Newton Community High School.  I hold a Bachelor's degree in Administrative Information Systems from Eastern Illinois University.  I am a longtime business owner  and have served in numerous capacities in organizations and boards in this community.  I am currently a partner in two companies located in Newton - JJ Outlet, LLC and KS Distribution, LLC.

My wife, Marie, and I are the proud parents of our daughter, Grace.  Marie is also a lifelong resident of Jasper County and has held several positions at Heartland Dental over her twenty two years there.  Grace will graduate from Newton Community High School in 2023.  We are members of Latona Church of Christ where I serve as an elder.  

Why:
Education is vital to the development of our youth, who are the lifeblood of this community.  Providing this education is more difficult today than it ever has been for a multitude of reasons. We all hear people quickly identify challenges, but most often, no solutions or implementation come afterwards.  Our community needs people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and offer solutions as well as find ways to implement them.  I didn't want to be a person who sat back and questioned why things are not better.  I wanted to be a person who was actively trying to accomplish this.