About Author
About Author
Books Published
User Reviews
Best Seller Awards
Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat:
A Transformative Leader in Education
Early Life and Education
Dr. Sharon Desmoulin-Kherat hails from Dominica, West Indies, and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, and later earned her education doctorate (Ed.D.) in P-12 administration from the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations at Illinois State University[1].
Superintendent of Peoria Public Schools
Since July 2015, Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat has been serving as the Superintendent of Peoria Public Schools, where she oversees 27 schools and 13,000 students in the largest K-12 district in the region[3]. As superintendent, she has been instrumental in improving community engagement, external funding, and student achievement and growth[1][5].
Leadership Philosophy
Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat believes in innovative and progressive leadership, practicing servant leadership where power is shared, and individuals are assisted to develop and perform at their highest potential[4]. She emphasizes the importance of involving the public in education, as it fosters a sense of ownership, shared responsibility, and accountability for results[4].
Passion for Education and Community
Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat is deeply passionate about reimagining schools and uniting the entire community behind the work of Peoria Public Schools[1]. She strives to help students find their interests and assist them on a path to explore them further, while also working with faculty and staff to redefine what college and career readiness means for students’ learning[1].
Career Progression
Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat’s career has been progressive, working her way up from elementary, middle, and high school experiences, including Roosevelt Magnet School, Whittier Primary School (a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School), and Manual Academy[4]. She also served as the Transformation Officer of high schools in Springfield, Illinois, and as the Associate Superintendent of Schools in Danville, Illinois[1][2].
Achievements in Improving Peoria Public Schools
Under Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat’s leadership, Peoria Public Schools have seen significant improvements, including:
- Increasing collaboration with all stakeholders
- Improving the culture and climate by being supportive, listening, and learning more
- Successful implementation of grade-level reconfiguration
- Switching to first-day health record compliance and providing support to families
- Formation of Alignment Peoria
- Establishment of an Office of Social Emotional Learning
- Implementation of an attendance improvement plan[4]
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat is an active member of various organizations, including the Tri-County Urban League, the Bradley University Board of Trustees, the Large Unit District Association Board (LUDA), the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Heart of Illinois United Way Board of Directors[1][4]. She has helped establish multiple partnerships, including the district’s work with Align Peoria, Inc., which brings together businesses and stakeholders from various sectors to support the district’s vision and strategic plan[1].
Mentors and Influences
Many individuals have impacted Dr. Desmoulin-Kherat’s life and career, including her mother, Frank Campbell, Barbara Pendelton, Thomas Simpson, Cheryl Sanfilip, Laraine Bryson, Rita Ali, Linda Lyman, and her professors and teachers at Illinois State University[1]. She credits these mentors for challenging her, providing authentic leadership opportunities, and offering encouragement and support[4].
