The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.


Meet Paula Markey

by Dessa Rodeffer - Quill Publisher/Owner

Meet Paula Markey, West Central School District's Superintendent of Schools.

Paula was born and raised in Macomb where she still lives today. Her mother Marilyn "Joyce" Locke, 74, recently died on October 8, 2015, and her father is Paul Locke, a retired custodian from Macomb High School.

Paula has one sister, Angie Locke of Macomb.

Paula married Mitch Markey June 29, 1987. Mitch is a Research Associate for Dupont Pioneer.

Paula and Mitch have three children:

Angelica, 25 is a Physical Therapist at McDonough District Hospital and will be married on June 18th;

Caleb, 23, is an Accountant at RSM in the Quad Cities and will be married on July 9th; and their youngest son is Colton, 16, a Junior at Macomb High School.

Caleb was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in January 2011 and has been a patient of St. Jude's Resarch Hospital since, so the family are all involved in the St. Jude Run each year.

Paula and her family are members of The Crossing Christian Church of Macomb.

Paula's mother, who had many jobs besides baking, and gathering the family together, passed on to their family, the joy of family gatherings, hardwork, and generosity.

Paula is certified in First Aid, CPR/Defibrillator, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, is a licensed professional educator in Business Education/Secondary Education, General Administrative, and Superintendent.

She is a member of Illinois Principals Assoc., National Assoc. of Elementary School Principals, National Assoc. of Professional Women, Western Illinois Univ. Administrators' Round Table (V.P.), and Colchester Area Businss Assoc.

She obtained her Education Specialist, 2013 Educational Administration, Master of Science in Education, 2002, and Bachelor of Science in Education, 1988 at WIU.

She has applied for and obtained many school grants.

Paula has worked from 1989-2003 at Southeastern High School, Augusta as a Business and Computer Instructor where she was also involved as Yearbook Advisor, Cheerleading Coach, Junior Class Sponsor, Adopt-a-Student, External Review and School Improvement committees as well Technology and Tech Prep coordinator.

From 2003-2015, Paula was West Prairie Community School District Assistant Superintendent, and Elementary Principal.

She has a long list of professional achievements. Some notable achievements are:

Paula's favorite quote is "Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think!"

-Albert Einstein.

Paula believes that, "all students can learn, and they all need to know that someone cares about them. Education is not just about academics.

"When educating the minds of youth, we must not forget how to educate their hearts!"

"There are so many good things happening at West Central. We have a very caring and talented staff who work well as a team. Doing what is best for students is our Number 1 priority."

Paula said of the W.C. distirct, "It is a very friendly community and I have received a warm welcome.

"I taught high school for 14 years and was an elementary principal for 12 years.

"I didn't realize how much I missed working with high school students, so I am happy to be working with all grade levels."

West Central School District is fortunate to have a caring and experienced school administrator like Mrs. Markey.

It is in her commitment to student growth, development, and academic excellence and the goal of providing students with a rigorous and challenging education that will give students the confidence, the tools, and the skills required to succeed.

Her goals are in line with West Central's vision for success, with the added ingredient of inspiring a heart for lifelong learning.