Pinckneyville school board accepts superintendent’s resignation amid allegations

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill., (KBSI) — The Pinckneyville Community Consolidated School District 204 Board of Education has accepted the resignation of Superintendent Jerry Travelstead following an investigation into allegations circulating in the community.

Matthew Hickam, regional superintendent of schools for ROE 30, confirmed the action late Thursday after a special board meeting.

“I can confirm that the Board of Education for Community Consolidated School District 204 accepted the resignation of Superintendent Jerry Travelstead at their special meeting tonight,” Hickam said. “At this time I am acting as the superintendent for the district.”

Travelstead had been placed on administrative leave earlier this week as the district reviewed what officials described as “allegations and rumors prevalent in the community,” including reports of inappropriate communication with a student.

Messages shared with media outlets allege Travelstead communicated with a juvenile student on social media. School officials said he is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise.

Hickam said he will serve as acting superintendent while the district determines next steps. An additional statement from the district is expected.

The situation drew significant public attention, with dozens of residents speaking at a recent school board meeting and calling for Travelstead’s removal.

Authorities have not confirmed whether a law enforcement investigation is underway, and the district has not released specific details about the allegations.