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.

Mateyka has a background in curricular improvement. In her previous role, she served as a district-level special education instructional coach, supporting 19 buildings across all grade levels at the 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.

As one of the directors of community schooling, Mateyka has been responsible for fostering a learning environment in and out of the classroom. Through collaboration with schools, families, and community organizations, she has cultivated partnerships that have brought resources directly to students and families, fostering new avenues of social, emotional, and academic success for students across our educational system. She has also organized clubs and out-of-school time programs. Community schooling aims to build upon and continue creating a school environment where students feel supported, connected, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Mateyka stated, “I am so grateful to the Vienna community for being so welcoming and accommodating during my first several months as the VGS Director of Community Schooling. It has been wonderful being part of a team of staff who have a shared vision for what schools can be. I have truly loved fostering relationships with community members and partners that will ultimately allow our students and the community as a whole to receive the support and services they deserve. I was, and continue to be, honored to be in this role and am incredibly grateful to be part of an initiative that I truly believe is the future of education.”

“Vienna is fortunate to be a partner with ACT Now for this fantastic opportunity. We are blessed as a region by their support and investment in our students’ future. Ms. Mateyka's unique educational perspective provides insight and knowledge that has been key in building successful academic and holistic systems that 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