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2026 State of Education

McLean County’s Education Leaders Are Ready To Tackle Workforce Readiness

On Friday, October 2nd local business, civic, and education leaders gathered early for 2026 State of Education, an annual event highlighting the successes, challenges, and future goals of K–12 public education and higher education across McLean County. This was the fifth and final event of the 2026 Workforce Week.

The morning began with breakfast and networking, giving community and business leaders a chance to connect with local educators and administrators while discussing shared priorities such as academic excellence, workforce readiness, and community support.

Nicole Hoffman, Chair of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce Board, welcomed attendees and highlighted several high-priority topics, emphasizing how today’s conversation builds on the previous week’s RAMP Advocacy Event and advances the Talent Alignment Strategy.

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K-12 Panel

Molly Allen , Regional Superintendent of the Regional Office of Education, served as panel facilitator, guiding a discussion with four district leaders:

  • Bryce Hansen, Director of Bloomington Career Academy

  • Dr. David Mouser, Superintendent of District 87

  • Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle, Superintendent of Unit 5

  • Jeff Baughman, LeRoy CUSD #2

The K–12 panel provided an update on how local education has progressed since last year’s State of Public Education, highlighting the work happening across districts to better prepare students for life after graduation.

Panelists discussed how districts are partnering with Bloomington Career Academy to create meaningful pathways into career opportunities, while also emphasizing workforce readiness through soft skills, professionalism, and real-world preparation. The conversation also focused on keeping students invested and engaged in school by helping them see the connection between what they are learning today and the opportunities available to them in the future right here in McLean County.

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Higher Education Panel

Keith Cornille, President of Heartland Community College, served as panel facilitator, guiding a discussion with our higher education leaders:

  • President Aondover Tarhule, Illinois State University
  • President Sheahon Zenger, Illinois Wesleyan University

The higher education panel shared how local colleges and universities are contributing to the Talent Alignment Strategy and preparing students for the workforce. The panel discussed the growing role of emerging technology, how education is evolving to meet workforce needs, and the importance of connecting students with career opportunities. Panelists also shared a common belief that Bloomington-Normal is a special place to live, learn, and work, reinforcing the importance of attracting and retaining talent in our community.

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Businesses are encouraged to be part of the ongoing conversation around developing and retaining our local workforce. By engaging with the developing Talent Alignment Strategy and creating opportunities such as job shadowing, internships, mentorships, and work-based learning, employers can help shape the talent pipeline while connecting with future employees.

 

Additional Thank You's:

Presenting Sponsor: ROE #17

Breakfast Catering: Chick-Fil-A

Location Host: Heartland Community College

Partners in Workforce

  • Presenting Sponsor: PNC
  • Platinum: COUNTRY Financial, Gibson Area Hospital, GROWMARK, Ferrero, Heartland Community College, OSF HealthCare
  • Gold: AXIS 360 Commercial Real Estate Meghan O'Neal, Rob Dob's Restaurant & Bar, Sam Leman Automotive Group, Zeller Electric
  • Bronze: Parke Regency & BonChon

 

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