‘PVO is an outstanding district’

Todd Wilson is thankful.

Thankful for his time at Rantoul Township High School.

And thankful for the opportunity to serve the students and community of the Prairieview-Ogden School District.

Wilson was hired at the May PVO Board of Education meeting to be superintendent of the district.

He is replacing Jeff Isenhower who resigned effective July 1.

“PVO is an outstanding district,” Wilson said.

Wilson, as the principal of Rantoul Township High School, has worked with some of the students and families who share boundaries with RTHS for high school. 

He also grew up in the area with his grandparents farming just one mile east of Flatville, which is home to PVO Junior High.

“The PVO school district has an outstanding reputation,” he said.

Wilson graduated from RTHS in 1990 and attended Parkland College for a year before joining the Army in June of 1991. He spent eight years in the Army and held numerous positions. Upon returning to Central Illinois, he served as a group leader at a residential facility for young men and decided to pursue education. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2004 and then worked in Champaign Unit 4 schools before becoming Dean of Students at RTHS in 2007. In 2011 he was hired as principal.

Wilson said that being a school administrator has taught him that every situation is different and people need to be heard.

“We may not alway agree or have the same perception of a situation, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t listen to each other,” he said. I’ve learned to listen twice as much as I speak. That’s why God gave me two ears and one mouth.”

Wilson said that also goes for children, who also need to heard, seen and loved.

“Kids will find someone to do those things for them,” he said. “Who better than a teacher who chose a profession to work specifically with kids.”

Wilson said he doesn’t expect to make big changes at PVO immediately and he plans to listen, observe and learn about his new district.

“We will need to go through a process that involves the board, teachers and community to set goals for the PVO district and its community,” he said. “I look forward to being part of that process.”

Wilson said he hopes the staff at RTHS would describe him as a servant leader. He sees his role as
looking out for the best interests of the people he serves, which includes the students, faculty, parents and community. 

“I work very hard to go into all situations with a level headed approach,” he said. “Experience has taught me that emotional decisions are not usually good decisions.”

While Wilson is looking forward to the new challenges he will face at PVO, it is difficult to leave the district he has spent years in, the great faculty and the amazing children he has been surrounded by.   One of his favorite memories at the high school involves his children with wife, Tammy.

“If I had to pinpoint my proudest moments it would be having the opportunity to hand a diploma to my two daughters and my son,” Wilson said.

Wilson and his wife now have a grandson and granddaughter, who they love spending time with.
Wilson even plays Santa for the kids closer to Christmas.

“I put these white whiskers to use and play Santa for my grandkids and a few local organizations,” he said. “So when the beard gets a little longer after August, just know it’s for a reason.”