Some things are just meant to be, and Shaun Grant, the principal of South School, was meant to educate and mentor children.

Shaun was born in Royal, Illinois and was schooled at St. Joseph-Ogden, graduating from high school in 1992. He attended Parkland Community College and then moved on to graduate from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in Art Education. Shaun began teaching in District 150 where he taught for 12 years. While at District 150 he attended Bradley University and got his Masters in the field of Education Administration. Throughout his career, he has been a primary art and reading teacher, a high school teacher, a wrestling and football coach, and a principal.

In 1999 he married his lovely wife, Monica. At that time they were living in Peoria and she was teaching in Princeville, so they decided to move closer to her work and began looking around for a small town nearby. In 2008 after checking out the town of Chillicothe and its school system, they knew that was where they wanted to live and raise a family. They have three children; Elaine 20, Morgan 17, and Howie 7.

When there was an opening for a principal in Princeville, Shaun applied and was hired. He was principal there for three years until the Principal job at South School became vacated by Mike Bethel who was retiring. Superintendent Allison said they had many outstanding candidates for the position, but at each stage in the process, Shaun stood out, stating he had the experience and the knowledge that they were looking for. 

Shaun has been at South School for 10 years now. He states he loves all the children and staff at this school and thinks it is the best elementary school around. His main focus and goal is to make all the children know they are loved and accepted, provide a safe environment for them, and to make learning the highest priority.

Shaun’s community involvement began almost immediately upon moving to our community with the C.S.Y. A. (Chillicothe Summer Youth Association) softball program, as he became the director of all the high/low softball teams around the area.

Later Shaun began volunteering for the Chillicothe Optimist’s Town Theater when he saw the many projects that needed to be done. He oversaw the construction of the new concession stand and the conversion of the old reel projectors to new digital ones. He loved the idea of the theater giving their profits out to the kid’s non-profit groups around the area, so when he was asked to be on the board of directors, he readily accepted. The Town Theater in conjunction with the Optimist’s Club last month gave out $12,300 to area groups.

Shaun is also active in the Chillicothe Optimist’s Club, Lions Club, Brad Wallin tournament, and is an Illinois Optimist’s Golf Association board member. In addition he is secretary for the Building and Planning Commission and the state treasurer for the Illinois Principal’s Association.

When asked about what he believed was his life’s greatest accomplishment so far, he replied; of course his family and having the privilege to work with the great staff and kids at South School.

Shaun says it is a gift to be able to live, work with and make a difference in the lives of children in Chillicothe. We can rest assured that our children are in the best hands they can be in with Shaun Grant at the helm guiding and watching over them.

We are truly blessed to have Shaun Grant living and working in our community. Thank you, Shaun, for all you do to make Chillicothe a better place to live.