East St. Louis Welcomes New School Leaders for 2025-26
As the 2025-26 academic year kicks off, students and families in East St. Louis will be greeted by a new cohort of educational leaders. Eight new principals are stepping into roles across East St. Louis School District 189 and a local charter school, bringing fresh perspectives and seasoned experience to the community’s learning environments.
Introducing East St. Louis School District 189’s New Principals
East St. Louis School District 189 is welcoming six new principals, many of whom are familiar faces, having served in other leadership capacities within the district. These dedicated educators are ready to foster student achievement and build strong school communities.
Quanshanda Nicholson, Principal of Lincoln Middle School
Quanshanda Nicholson joins Lincoln Middle School with 24 years of experience, including leading James Avant Elementary to be named a Model School multiple times and earning numerous “Those Who Excel” awards. She holds degrees from Lindenwood, Fontbonne, and Lane College.
Nicholson’s primary concern is chronic absenteeism and its impact on student achievement. Her solution is a “whole child” approach, emphasizing mental health support, strong relationships, and family partnerships. She assures students they “matter here” and expresses excitement for building strong family and staff partnerships to ensure every student’s success. Parents can contact her at 618-646-3770 or quanshanda.nicholson@estl189.com.
Sheryl Coleman, Interim Principal of Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center
Sheryl Coleman brings extensive experience as a teacher, elementary school principal, district assessment coordinator, and director of early childhood education. She holds a Doctorate in School Organizational Leadership, an Ed.S., a Master of Science in School Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.
Her main concern is ensuring every student gets what they need to be successful; her solution involves leveraging various strengths within the school to achieve this. She welcomes students to Vivian Adams and assures parents that the school will provide love, protection, nurturing, and teaching, while keeping them involved in their child’s well-being. Contact her at 618-646-3290, via email at sheryl.coleman@estl189.com, or in-person.
Lawrence Rainey, Interim Principal of Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School
Lawrence Rainey brings a diverse K-12 background, having served as assistant principal, principal, special education supervisor, and district-level director, with his career beginning as a special education teacher. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Science in Special Education from Illinois State University.
Rainey is concerned about the “missing middle” students who need targeted interventions. His solution is a structured intervention block, embedded into the school schedule for data-driven, small-group instruction. He encourages students to “be kind, work hard, and support one another” and urges parents to prioritize daily, on-time attendance due to its impact on morning intervention time. Contact him at 618-646-3860 or lawrence.rainey@estl189.com.
Roshonda Harriel, Interim Principal of James Avant Elementary School
Roshonda Harriel has nearly two decades of experience, mostly within East St. Louis, spanning roles as a K-2 teacher, instructional coach, academic interventionist, and assistant principal. She earned degrees from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Lindenwood University, and McKendree University.
Harriel is most concerned about the achievement gap and plans to integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and trauma-informed practices with rigorous, data-driven instruction. She tells students they are “capable, valued, and belong here” and assures parents their “voice matters” as essential partners in their child’s success. Contact her at 618-646-3870, roshonda.harriel@estl189.com, or through ClassDojo.
Devon McCallum, Principal of Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence
Devon McCallum moves to Wyvetter Younge after serving as Principal and Assistant Principal at Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center, and as an elementary teacher and instructional coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary. She holds a Master’s +30 Specialist Degree and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration, along with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
McCallum is concerned about the disconnect between students’ social-emotional needs and academic expectations, advocating for integrating SEL into daily instruction to transform learning environments. She tells students, “You matter. You belong here. And you are capable of achieving greatness,” and emphasizes to parents that they are essential partners in creating a safe, nurturing, and academically rigorous environment. Contact her at 618-646-3760 or devon.bruce@estl189.com.
Craige Edwards, Principal of Mason/Clark Middle School
Craige Edwards brings nearly 28 years of educational experience, with the last five as a principal, to Mason/Clark Middle School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, a Master’s Degree in Education Administration, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
His main concern is effective classroom student engagement. He encourages students to “challenge yourself to get the most out of every moment” and asks parents to “continue to be in partnership with the school learning community.” Parents can contact him via email at craige.edwards@estl189.com.
Leadership in Private and Charter Schools
Beyond District 189, other institutions in East St. Louis are also welcoming new leadership for the upcoming school year.
Kim Allen, Director/Principal of SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School
Kim Allen returns to SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School as principal and director, having previously been a special education teacher there. Her background also includes principal and assistant principal roles in Cahokia and East St. Louis districts. She earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Chronic absenteeism is her significant concern, which she plans to address by creating a welcoming and inviting school environment where students feel they belong and are connected. She tells students, “You are an important part of this community… Let’s make it our best year yet!” and values parents as important stakeholders, emphasizing strong partnerships. Contact her at 618-482-8370 or kallen@siuechs.com.
Kenneth Nance Jr., Principal of Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School
Kenneth Nance Jr. is the new principal at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, bringing experience as a 4th and 5th-grade teacher and a health and P.E. teacher at Althoff Catholic High. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Administration.
Nance reports no current concerns and is excited for the school’s attendance to continue to grow. He encourages students to “make this 2025-2026 school year the best year yet!” and assures parents that STBCS strives to provide a well-rounded, faith-based education. Parents can contact him by calling the school or emailing knance@srthea.org.
At a Glance: New East St. Louis Principals 2025-26
| Principal Name | School | Annual Base Salary | Highest Degree (or in progress) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quanshanda Nicholson | Lincoln Middle School | $131,000 | Doctorate-level coursework |
| Sheryl Coleman | Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center | ~$90,000 | Doctorate |
| Lawrence Rainey | Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary | $116,500 | Doctorate |
| Roshonda Harriel | James Avant Elementary School | $114,000 | Master of Arts |
| Devon McCallum | Wyvetter Younge School of Excellence | $123,000 | Master’s +30 Specialist Degree |
| Craige Edwards | Mason/Clark Middle School | $131,000 | Doctorate |
| Kim Allen | SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School | $125,000 | Master’s Degree |
| Kenneth Nance Jr. | Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School | Declined to answer | Master of Arts (in pursuit) |
Frequently Asked Questions About East St. Louis School Leadership
- How many new principals are starting in East St. Louis for the 2025-26 school year?
There are eight new principals, including six within East St. Louis School District 189 and two in private/charter schools. - What is a common educational concern among the new principals?
Chronic absenteeism and ensuring every student receives comprehensive support (the “whole child” approach, including social-emotional learning) are frequently cited concerns. - How can parents contact their child’s new principal?
Contact methods vary by principal, but generally include school phone numbers and direct email addresses, which are provided above for each leader. - What are the new principals most excited about for the upcoming year?
Many express excitement about fostering strong relationships, building supportive school cultures, and ensuring academic and social-emotional growth for all students.
The arrival of these dedicated leaders marks a new chapter for East St. Louis schools. Engaging with your child’s principal and actively participating in the school community are vital steps in supporting their mission for an impactful and successful academic year.
East St Louis welcomes new school leaders
