Beecher Elementary Principal Resigns Amid Slew of Personnel and Contract Approvals

Beecher Board of Education Meeting | March 11, 2026

Article Summary
Beecher School District 200U approved a slate of personnel changes, most notably accepting the resignation of Elementary School Principal Nicole Black, while also approving a renewed food service contract that administrators say has drastically improved student meal participation.

Personnel and Contracts Key Points:

• Nicole Black’s resignation as Elementary School Principal was formally acknowledged by the board.

• The board approved a separation agreement with Junior High/High School Spanish teacher Jessica Carter.

• The 2026-2027 Food Service Contract with Whitsons was approved following high praise from district principals regarding improved food quality.

• Four new coaching positions were filled across the junior high and high school athletic programs.

BEECHER, Ill. — During a routine slate of employment actions, the Beecher School District 200U Board of Education on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, accepted the resignation of Beecher Elementary School Principal Nicole Black.

Black, who delivered her standard staff report earlier in the meeting highlighting elementary school reading growth and fine arts programs, had her resignation formally acknowledged during the new business portion of the meeting. The board voted unanimously to accept her resignation, alongside the resignation of Junior High Cheerleading Coach Lindsay Kokos.

The board also unanimously approved a separation agreement and subsequent resignation for Jessica Carter, who served as a Spanish teacher for both Beecher Junior High and Beecher High School.

On the hiring front, the board filled several coaching vacancies for the upcoming seasons. Rhiannon Hanft was hired as the High School Head Volleyball Coach, replacing Jaida Schroeder. Becki Calomino was approved as the High School Varsity Girls Golf Coach, replacing Kevin Martewicz. Additionally, Amanda Alderfer was brought on as the High School Assistant Volleyball Coach, and Michelle Tiltges was hired as the Junior High Cheerleading Coach.

Following the personnel votes, the board shifted to district operations, unanimously approving the food service contract for the 2026-2027 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Jack Gaham noted that the district is currently in year three of a potential five-year renewal cycle with their current vendor, Whitsons. Gaham recommended keeping the contract due to overwhelmingly positive feedback from building leaders and students.

“This is the first year the principals have really come forward and say that there’s been an improvement in participation,” Gaham said. “I like the momentum what we’re seeing from Whitsons—not Arbor—and so I’m looking to continue that relationship.”

Board members echoed the sentiment, noting that even their own children have expressed that they enjoy the cafeteria food this year, a shift that parents stated has saved them from making packed lunches every day.