Every district has a heartbeat. In Macomb, you can hear it best in the soft rhythm of a well-run office, in the laughter that slips down the hallway, in the quiet understanding between people who’ve worked together long enough to finish one another’s sentences.

Today’s guest on Flight Path knows that rhythm better than most. Lisa Mooney has been part of Macomb CUSD 185 since 2001, serving as Executive Secretary in the Superintendent’s office—a vantage point from which she has seen the district’s story unfold, one chapter at a time. Hers is a story of constancy and care, of deep roots and open hands, of a life interwoven with the community she’s helped to serve for nearly a quarter century.

Lisa came to Macomb by way of family—first as a sister, then as a wife and mother—and stayed because this place gave her more than an address. It gave her belonging. In her reflections, we hear echoes of what makes this community distinct: the blending of tradition and progress, of farm fields and faculty lounges, of children raised in a town that values both hard work and higher learning.

So today, we slow down a bit to see the district from Lisa’s front-row seat—the crossroads where school, family, and community all converge—and we celebrate the kind of quiet leadership that too often goes unheralded, but never unnoticed.

Today I’m talking with Jill Beck, a woman whose fingerprints are all over the good work being done in Macomb. From her years directing United Way of McDonough County to her leadership of the Macomb Athletic Boosters, Jill has built a career—and a reputation—on the idea that when a community raises its hand, things happen.

She’s proof that you don’t have to sit on the sidelines when there’s work to be done. Whether she’s organizing volunteers for 522 hours of concession shifts, rallying parents to fund a new weight room, or reminding young athletes that hard work and generosity are connected virtues, Jill’s story is one of perseverance, partnership, and the quiet courage to speak up.

In our conversation, she reflects on the richness Western Illinois University brings to the area, the small-town strength that never fades, and what it means to model leadership for the next generation.

Eric Bryan is the principal of Lincoln Elementary in Macomb, Illinois, and if there’s one thing you’ll take away from our conversation today, it’s that leadership in education isn’t just about policies and procedures—it’s about people. It’s about community. And it’s about a relentless commitment to making sure that, from the moment a child walks through the doors of Lincoln, they are seen, supported, and set up to succeed."

In today’s episode of Flight Path, we’ll talk about what it means to lead a school where every detail matters—from the structure of a reading program to the small but powerful ways an administrator can create an environment where students and teachers thrive. We’ll explore the role of the broader community, the value of getting the right people in the right places, and the deep sense of pride that runs through the heart of Macomb Schools.

Today, we’re talking with Kaitlyn Bagley, a fifth-grade teacher at Edison School who brings a deep love for learning into her classroom every day.

In this conversation, we’ll dive into what makes fifth grade such a pivotal year, how she fosters curiosity and confidence in her students, and the importance of collaboration among educators. Kaitlyn is not just a teacher—she’s a mentor, a role model, and an advocate for both her students and her colleagues.

Every day, she walks into her classroom and helps her students discover who they are and what they’re capable of. Fifth grade is a crossroads, a place where students start to see beyond the walls of their school and into the possibilities of their future. And teachers like Kaitlyn don’t just guide them academically; they give them the confidence to take that next step with curiosity and courage.

Education is a journey, not just for students, but for the teachers who pour their hearts into the work. Macomb Schools is stronger because of educators like Kaitlyn, and the impact she makes in her classroom will ripple through her students’ lives for years to come. Join us for an important conversation with a remarkable educator.

Welcome to this inaugural episode of Flight Path – the Podcast! I’m your host, Craig Williams with Journey12, and this is our audio counterpart to the Quarterly Magazine. We’re here to meet with the leaders, doers, volunteers, and supporters of Macomb Schools, and find our way into important conversations that connect us all. 

You know, education is more than instruction. It’s leadership, innovation, and, at its heart, a deep connection to the community it serves. Today, I have the pleasure of sitting down with a man who embodies all of those qualities—Dr. Mark Twomey, Superintendent of Macomb Schools. Mark’s journey into education wasn’t the traditional one—his background in business and farming has shaped a leadership style that values urgency, problem-solving, and a deep, unwavering commitment to students. In this conversation, we’ll explore how that journey led him to the helm of Macomb Schools, his vision for the district, and the role storytelling plays in bridging the gap between schools and the communities they serve.

Macomb is a district with a legacy of excellence, and Flight Path—the district’s storytelling initiative—is one way they ensure every taxpayer, not just parents and students, is connected to the school’s mission. We’ll talk about why that matters, how leadership requires both vision and adaptability, and what the future holds for education in Macomb.

So, whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just someone who believes in the power of strong communities, you’ll want to listen in. Welcome to Flight Path.