Pleasant Plains

PPCUSD8 News

Dear Parents / Guardians, 

I am reaching out today regarding the forecast for tomorrow. Right now I am planning on having school tomorrow, Friday, January 23rd. I realize it will be cold and I am aware of projected “feels like” temperatures hovering around -16 to -20 depending on the app. I am also aware that many area schools will be out due to the cold. 

Unlike snow and ice, my immediate fears aren't dangers out of our control, but rather making sure students are bundled up and aren't outside waiting for long periods of time. Our buildings are warm, our buses have multiple heaters, and we have backup buses charged and running in cold weather instances. ALL PPCUSD8 buildings will be open at 7:15 am  tomorrow for drop-off at the main entrance. If you do not want your child to ride the bus, feel free to drop them off at their school as early as 7:15. 

I understand having school when many others do not goes against the grain a little. Please know that every district is different, and decisions are based on each district’s unique circumstances, transportation plans, and student needs. To date, we haven't had issues with our buses running in the cold weather such as what is being projected for tomorrow. If we have bus trouble in the morning and cannot sufficiently run our buses, or the forecast changes, you will be notified by 6:00 a.m. 

As a reminder, if you do not feel safe sending your child to school, you always have the right to keep your child home. Please call and let the office know your child will not be in attendance due to the weather.  I understand these decisions always come with a certain amount of criticism. I also understand erroring on the side of safety, however, living in Illinois will always bring cold weather, and I do feel it is something we can safely navigate. If attempting to go to school in the cold causes more problems than anticipated, I will pivot in my thought processes. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me at lbrooks@ppcusd8.org. 

Luke Brooks

Superintendent, PPCUSD#8

Pleasant Plains Preschool Screenings - April 14, 2026 (click for more details)

Hello NEW families to the Pleasant Plains School District - If you are a new family to our district and need to register your student, please contact Devona Watkins at dwatkins@ppcusd8.org  or 217 626 1041. Mrs. Watkins will get you all the necessary forms that are needed for registration.  

PPCUSD8 Continued Services Plan

Pleasant Plains School District is seeking applicants for school bus drivers. Applicants who have a CDL Class B, School Bus Driver Permit and Passenger Endorsement are a plus. If not we will train you, and help you obtain all endorsements.

Pleasant Plains School District is currently looking to employ school bus drivers.  This is a wonderful opportunity to work with amazing students, staff and families!  The starting salary is $22.32  per hour with summers off, no nights, weekends or holidays.  There is also the possibility of increasing income and being involved in school trip activities.  The district will provide  training and help new hires obtain a CDL-B drivers license.  Anyone interested may fill out an application online (Here) or in person (315 W. Church St.  Pleasant Plains, IL 62677).  Please contact Cassie Kimes at the Transportation Office 217-626-1300 if you have any questions.

Our Mission

Together, we will partner with our school community to build relationships and equip students socially, emotionally, and academically through a challenging and innovative curriculum driven by a student-centered approach to lifelong learning. 

Questions? Comments? Concerns?

If you notice anything wrong or missing from the District website, please contact the Unit Office by email at dwatkins@ppcusd8.org, and we will fix it as soon as possible.

Website questions and concerns may be addressed to John Langley at jlangley@ppcusd8.org.

District questions and concerns may be addressed to Superintendent Luke Brooks at lbrooks@ppcusd8.org.

School Board questions and concerns may be addressed to Board President Cayla Keyes at ckeyes@ppcusd8.org.

McKinney-Vento Assistance Act Liaison for high school students: Darren Lucas at dlucas@ppcusd8.org.

McKinney-Vento Assistance Act Liaison for middle school students: Mikel Ollech at mollech@ppcusd8.org

McKinney-Vento Assistance Act Liaison for elementary school students: Susan Ferrero at sferrero@ppcusd8.org 

Title IX Coordinator: Heather Greer hgreer@ppcusd8.org