Reagan Johnson is serving as one of two directors of community schooling in Vienna. Vienna is a pilot school for a federally funded program known as community schooling.

Johnson is a 2020 graduate and valedictorian of Vienna High School. While in high school, she earned two associate degrees from Shawnee Community College with honors. Johnson then graduated from Murray State University with two bachelor's degrees in social work and criminal justice. Recently, she earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of Kentucky (UK). Johnson served in the student services department as an intern last school year and as the lead for the Vienna REACH program.

Johnson stated, “I'm thrilled and extremely honored to be stepping into this role. As a proud product of Vienna schools and a lifelong resident of this community, I'm deeply invested in its success. I am eager to build upon our strengths and continue to foster a collaborative environment where students, families, and community partners work together. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to continue working alongside everyone!”

“Reagan is an inspirational figure for us. She is one of the first examples of the cradle-to-career pipelines established here. It is my privilege to be able to work alongside her to reach every child in Johnson County,” said Phillip Hosfeldt, dean of system programs.

“Vienna's participation in the community schooling opportunity in Illinois is a major win for our kids and families. Reagan Johnson heading up this new effort adds a layer that will undoubtedly ensure its success. While this is new territory for our school system, we have already been enjoying some benefits, such as establishing an after-school art program, after-school STEM club, and numerous other supplemental opportunities that will be available to students and families,” said Joshua Stafford, school superintendent.

Rachel Mateyka joins Reagan Johnson as a second director of community schooling for Vienna. Vienna is one of the 17 partner schools under the statewide full-service community school initiative, a federal grant program through Metropolitan Family Services and ACT NOW. As a grant requirement, the initiative requires two directors, with the school district receiving $5 million over the next five years, to target specific curricular outcomes relating to academic outcomes, chronic truancy/absenteeism, climate and culture, kindergarten readiness, and the Illinois Assessment of Readiness.

Mateyka has a background in curricular improvement. She most recently served as a district-level instructional coach, teacher mentor, and chair of the social/emotional learning school improvement committee at Champaign Unit 4 School District. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education and her master’s in early intervention from Illinois State University.  Mateyka has experience serving at every level of the educational system, from early intervention services at the early childhood level through high school.

Mateyka stated, “I am excited to join a team of staff with a shared vision for what schools can be. I look forward to cultivating community partnerships that will allow our students, families, and the community as a whole to receive the support and services they deserve. I am honored to be stepping into this role and am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of something that I truly believe is the future of education.”

“Vienna was incredibly fortunate to partner with ACTNOW for this fantastic opportunity. We are blessed as a community for their support and investment in our student’s future. Rachel's unique perspective on this required position provides insight and knowledge that will be key in building successful academic and holistic systems that will ensure long-term success for all students,” said Phillip Hosfeldt, dean of system programs.

Resources

Grant Award Article
Community Schools Fact Sheet
Rural Community Schooling Presentation
ACT Now MOU
Foundations of the Future