EPCHS Administration

Damon Hackett is the Superintendent of East Peoria Community High School. 

Khassandrae Brown is the Principal of East Peoria Community High School. Prior to this, she was a member of the Special Education department as well as a coach of basketball, volleyball, and tennis. An EPCHS alumni, she graduated from East Peoria in 2008 and is a member of the EPCHS Hall of Fame for her basketball career. She continued her basketball career throughout college, earning her associates degree in Applied Sciences in Education from Kankakee Community College. She continued on to earn her Bachelor of Science from Eureka College and her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Aurora University. She also coached tennis and basketball at the collegiate level.  It is rare to find someone more passionate about the students and staff of East Peoria than Principal Brown. She shares, “I love EPCHS for the amazing students and staff, and also because of all the opportunities that we have to offer.” Outside of work, she loves sports, her dogs, and spending time with her family.

Brad Dubois is the Director of Operations and a part of our Administrative department; he has 26 years of experience in the realm of education and 23 of those have been at EPCHS. Originally from Metamora, Illinois, he attended Metamora High School before earning degrees from Knox College, Olivet Nazarene, and Illinois State University. He works tirelessly to better the school’s facilities and ensure that the students are getting the best experience possible. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, all things athletics, and spending time with his family.

Holly Riggins is the Associate Principal at EPCHS and has been in education for 19 years. Originally from Washington, Illinois, she attended Washington Community High School before earning her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary History Education from Illinois State University and Master’s degrees in Counseling and Educational Leadership from Bradley University. Holly shares, “I show up everyday because I want all students to know I care about them as a person. I believe in the importance of students learning how to do life while in high school. At the forefront of this is taking care of themselves. Personal health is the foundation of any other success. EPCHS is that safe place of care for our students. I am proud to be part of the EP family.” Outside of work, Holly enjoys spending time with her husband Ryan and her kids Reagan and Reid. She also enjoys watching her children play sports, shopping, trying new restaurants, hiking and running.

Amanda Rutledge is the Director of Special Services at EPCHS. Originally from East Peoria, Illinois, she attended East Peoria Community High School before attending Bradley University where she majored in Special Education and Elementary Education. After receiving her undergraduate, she obtained two master's degrees from Bradley University as well as her Director of Special Education endorsement from Illinois State University. Amanda shares, "What I love most about EPCHS specifically is that the community always shows up to support the students through academics, sports, and other extra-curricular events. I believe in students having access to quality post-secondary services that prepare them for college and/or career opportunities. I am most looking forward to building strong relationships with the staff, parents, and students in the community I live in. Additionally, I am looking forward to supporting the school community in providing the best possible services to our students and families.” In her free time, she enjoys spending time with my family by attending outdoor concerts, traveling, and boating. 

Denee Menzione is an Assistant Principal and head of the Athletic Department as our Athletic and Activities Director. Originally from Darien, Illinois, she attended Downers Grove South High School before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Sports Studies from Eastern Illinois University. She also holds a Drivers Education Endorsement from Olivet Nazarene University and a Master’s degree in Principal Leadership from Aurora University. She shares, “I absolutely love EPCHS. I love that our students are raised with a strong work ethic and determination to be the best at whatever their craft is. We have some of the brightest students around and a staff that not only cares about the academic success of their students but their overall well-being as well. I love being able to watch and help our coaches develop their skills, foster teamwork, instill discipline, and teach valuable life lessons through sports and activities which will benefit them beyond their time here at EPCHS. I love working with our students, coaches, parents and community to build a sense of community which I know we all want and we can achieve by continuing to work together.” Outside of work, she enjoys relaxing and spending time with her family.

Jason Bowman is an Assistant Principal at East Peoria Community High School. He has been in education for 22 years, 18 of those being at EPCHS. From East Peoria, Jay is an EPCHS alum and later attended Wisconsin Lutheran College for his undergraduate studies. He loves EPCHS for the opportunity to work with students in his own community and supporting other alumni. Outside of work, he enjoys sports and fishing.

David Beck is a member of our Administration as an Assistant Principal and Dean; he has a year of experience at East Peoria and has 11 previous years of educational experience as a math teacher at Illinois Valley Central High School. Originally from East Peoria, he is an EPCHS alumni and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Studies from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as well as his Master’s degree in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation. David shared that, “EPCHS provided me with an exceptionally positive and memorable experience during my time as a student. I appreciated everything the school had to offer and genuinely enjoyed my academics and all of the extracurriculars. This positive experience was a significant factor in my decision to pursue a career in education. When people discuss their high school memories, whether on social media or in conversations, they often express either great fondness or strong dislike. I was motivated to ensure that students could have a positive experience similar to mine. Working here brings me immense satisfaction as I have the opportunity to contribute to the school and community that instilled in me a deep passion for learning and working in education.” Outside of work, his world centers around his family. “When I’m not working, my world centers on my family. I cherish every moment I get to spend with my kids. In the past, I’ve coached various sprouts, and now I’m thrilled to have a chance to coach my own children. I enjoy cooking on my Blackstone; I’ve started experimenting with a smoker and I’m eager to try new recipes,” he concludes.