Smiddy seeks educators, students for new panel

Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is forming an educational advisory committee in Whiteside County to help him learn about the issues facing educators, students and schools in his district.

“I see it being a group that I can call on as a resource when there are issues in Springfield that will directly affect education,” he said. “I believe education is at the forefront of what Illinois is doing.”

An informational meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Illinois Education Association office, 3307 E. Lincolnway in Sterling.

Smiddy, a husband to a teacher and a father to two sons, seeks input from superintendents, principals, teachers, early-childhood teachers and other stakeholders.

“We want people who have been dealing with the issues in education firsthand,” he said. “These people on this committee will be paramount to the work I will be doing in Springfield.”

Smiddy plans to use the committee discussions as fodder for larger, town hall meetings at which parents and other community members would be invited to share their opinions.

Smiddy is forming another educational advisory committee in Rock Island County. He also is forming advisory committees on senior citizens issues, veterans affairs and economic development.

Call the IEA office, 815-626-3884, to To RSVP. Call Smiddy’s office, 855-243-4988, for more information.