Staff
Dr. Irma Brooks, Executive Director, is a native of El Paso, Texas. She holds an Ed. D. in Education Leadership and Administration from University of Texas at El Paso, a Masters Degree in Educational Techology, and a Bachelors Degree in Marketing and Accounting.
Dr. Brooks comes to Decatur from the position of Director of Magnet Schools and Smaller Learning Communites with the Ysleta Independent School District in El Paso. In that capacity she coordinated the educational efforts of eleven middle schools and seven high schools with the business community to ensure that students possess the skills necessary to enter the workforce and to succeed in the pursuit of their careers at institutions of higher learning.
Her husband, Dr. Gary D. Brooks is a graduate of Millikin University in Decatur and served as Dean of Men at Millikin in 1967 and 1968.
York Powers, Kindergarten Readiness Coordinator, a recognized member of the educational community, coordinates all aspects of the Coalition's efforts in preparing Macon County children for success in Kindergarten. As leader of the Kindergarten Readiness Team, York facilitates discussion among the many member organizations and encourages collaboration and inclusion. York is a graduate of Millikin University and is the Alumni Advisor for Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
Angela Roberts, Executive Assistant, a Bloomington native, comes to the Education Coalition with great enthusiasm to perform the duties as the new Executive Assistant to Dr. Irma Brooks. Angela’s employment background includes office experience working for the DeWitt County Courthouse, Liberty Village Retirement, and State Farm Insurance. While employed with the insurance company, Angela took on additional roles within the community by volunteering as a United Way Department Ambassador, and a Junior Achievement Instructor. Angela is also a substitute 1st grade Sunday school teacher at First Christian Church in Clinton, where she currently resides with her husband and 2 children. Angela is attending Lincoln Christian University and her major is in Human Services.
Teams
KINDERGARTEN READINESS TEAM
The Kindergarten Readiness Team is charged with ensuring all children in Macon County are prepared for success when entering Kindergarten. The team has made great progress in identifying, screening, and providing interventions for low-readiness children. The team’s 5 year goal is for 95% of students entering Kindergarten will meet "ready" level as measure by the Brigance® Assessment, the agreed upon measuring tool.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT TEAM
The goal of the Student Achievement Team is to ensure all children in Macon County achieve at grade level. This team is comprised of after-school programs, District 61 administration, community volunteers and many others dedicated to preparing the children of the county for success.
YOUNG SCHOLARS AND WORKERS TEAM
The Young Scholars and Workers Team goal is to ensure that all students graduate with the skills and resources to enroll in college or join the workforce. This team will measure youth by surveying their status at 19.5 years old. 5 categories will be used; in college, in a technical school, in the military, in the workforce or on the streets.
