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Celebrating the new superintendent

Celebrating the new superintendent

Members of historically Black fraternities and sororities surround Terrance Jordan after his appointment as District 186 superintendent, Feb. 2, 2026 Photo: Saga Communications


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – This much is clear: Terrance Jordan (pictured, center) made a real impression.

“This is about to be the easiest vote I have ever made,” said District 186 school board member Sarah Blissett , “with a resounding, (emphatic) Yes! Absolutely! No doubt in my mind!”

Jordan, the district’s assistant superintendent of family, community, and school leadership, was the unanimous choice Monday to succeed Jennifer Gill as superintendent, effective July 1.

Packing the board room Monday were members of the “Divine Nine” – historically Black fraternities and sororities. Jordan is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi.

“We are excited that a member of one of our member organizations has been chosen to lead the district,” said Jeanette Goza, representing the Springfield National Panhellenic Council. “We are ready and willing to support and work as needed to move d 186 forward.”

After the unanimous vote, Jordan said of the “Divine Nine,” “One of our founding principles is achievement on every level, and we aim to achieve, we give back to the community and do a lot of work in supporting mentorship. We support all kinds of activist organizations and programs that are going to support our community.”

Jordan and the district have agreed to a three-year contract with a base salary of $230,000 annually.

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