Recently, the Peoria Public School district voted to select leadership, and one of the candidates was Richwoods’ one and only Dr. Renee Andrews. On January 26, Dr. Andrews was selected as the new deputy superintendent.
Dr. Andrews is known by many of the students at Richwoods as a safe person to rely on. During our interview with her, she expressed how she has built relationships with many of the students, providing support when they need it and even bringing baked goods regularly for them. She communicated the importance of taking care of oneself, saying that “sometimes self-care is taking a long nap,” and that is why she can have enough energy to show up for her students every day. 
Dr. Andrews has spent thirty years in the school district, starting out as a teacher’s aide and eventually moving all the way up deputy superintendent. Her background as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal working with students from kindergarten to high school has prepared her well for the next level of leadership. She also provides inspiration for students. “I believe all students need someone there to look like them … I know what it means for African American males and females. Kids need to see what’s possible,” said Dr. Andrews.
She has had her superintendent license for six years now and also went through her doctoral program. She has always wanted to lead because it forces her to have accountability for what she says and does. From growing up in the Peoria Public School system to working her way up to her current position, she has wanted to create a safe environment that encourages students of all ages to learn and grow; the same way people close to her have always encouraged her to improve and prosper.
As the new deputy superintendent, she hopes to achieve three goals for our district. First, she wants to find where our district stands financially and guide the money within the schools in better directions. She stated that online classes for K-8 schools should be limited as they can have harmful effects on children. She values the extensive connection between students and teachers. 
Secondly, Dr. Andrews wanted to bring attention to student safety. Although safety precautions in schools are often pushed back upon, such as metal detectors and clear backpacks, she believes that each of these rules that provide some amount of safety to the students is necessary. In today’s world, such safety measures are implemented in places like concerts, airports, and stadiums. With these rules in place, students can be sure of our own safety within school. Dr. Andrew cited a recent incident in which a fourth grader brought a firearm to a Peoria public school as an example of why safety measures are necessary. The incident illustrates a problem that caught the public’s attention, but there may be many incidents that have escaped detection. Dr. Andrews said, “People always think this could never happen, but it did. Imagine what’s going on in primary schools that we don’t find out about?”
Lastly, she values diverse students’ opinions and input. As she bonds with the students at Richwoods, she understands that classes are not always exciting. She feels that sometimes teachers end up teaching information in a lecture style, rather than something that keeps the students engaged in the lesson. She believes that we are not using our technology as tools to the fullest potential, which would mostly remove the need for any vocabulary or spelling test, instead replacing the older concepts with fresher ones, like learning to use our phones, tablets, and computers as tools. “We’re all addicted to our phones, why not learn to use it as a tool?”
We asked Mr. Urbanc, a math teacher at Richwoods High school, a few questions about the newly elected deputy superintendent and what he thought about Dr. Andrews running for the position. When asked about what traits he would like to see in the next superintendent, he believes that a dedication to making positive changes for students and teachers is a necessary quality to lead the district forward. Along with that, he mentioned that the perspectives of teachers should be heard when changes are made “since teachers work directly with students every day.” Mr. Urbanc has had a lot of positive experience working with Dr. Andrews, in school-related functions and other interactions; he stated that “she is calm, experienced, and genuinely cares about both students and teachers. She understands the challenges our district faces.” He believes that she is an astounding choice for the position.
Some other Richwoods staff and students had similar feelings about Dr. Andrews accepting the new role. IB Coordinator, Mr. Hayes, said, “We all feel so proud of Dr. Andrews and know she will do a great job in her new position. But it is also bittersweet because we will miss her dearly at Richwoods. There will be a void no doubt; those are big shoes to fill. Nobody builds better relationships with students or cares about them more than Dr. Andrews. She is an outstanding colleague and even better human being.” Senior Christian Johnson said, “She has always been the type of person who can connect well with students. I’ve worked with Dr. Andrews on several things over the years at Richwoods and really enjoyed getting to know her. She is a great role model, and I know she will do what’s best for our district in her new position.” Senior Darrell Taylor commented, “ Dr. Andrews always has a welcoming attitude, no matter who they are, where they’re from, what race or ethnicity. I feel very comfortable speaking with her about anything. She is extremely hard-working, but always finds time to help students even when she is busy juggling multiple things. I have no doubt she will be excellent in her new position.”
Starting July 1st, Dr Andrews will be taking up the position of deputy superintendent. She will be missed greatly by students and teachers alike at Richwoods High School, but we are also grateful to have a very experienced and supportive person as the deputy superintendent of our district.
