SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Springfield Public Schools District 186 Board of Education voted Tuesday to name Terrance Jordan as the district's next superintendent.

Current Superintendent Jennifer Gill announced her retirement in August 2025.

Jordan started within District 186 in 2003 as a kindergarten teaching assistant. He then served as a library technology specialist and parent educator. He taught at several elementary schools and was the principal of Black Hawk Elementary.

He later joined district administration in 2021 and is currently the assistant superintendent of family, community and school leadership.

Jordan said that his prior experience will aid him in this new endeavor, but that he hopes for collaboration with the community.

"I'm going to spend a significant amount of time just talking to people and meeting people and listening to people to truly get a grasp on what they see as the future of the district. It shouldn't be my vision, it should be our vision," he said.

"Dr. Jordan brings both vision and heart to this role," said Board Representative Buffy Lael-Wolf. "He understands our district because he has lived our work. He knows our students, our families and our schools, and he has earned trust through years or service. We are confident he will lead District 186 with integrity, purpose and unwavering commitment to student success."

Jordan will start his new position July 1.

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