ROCHELLE — Rochelle Township High School officials presented a range of updates at the recent Board of Education meeting Monday night, covering student activities, academic performance, fiscal audits, and more. RTHS Board members heard highlights from Principal Dr. Christopher Lewis about student involvement in events such as Make a Difference Day, where students contributed to community projects, and the Meet the Hubs night introducing winter sports. Students are also participating in a dodgeball food drive, coordinated by multiple student groups, to benefit local families during the Thanksgiving season.
The board recognized teacher achievements, including nominations for the Illinois Teacher of the Year award. Eva Lenkaitis was commended for her work in AP Spanish and the World Language Program, while Brandon Krantz was recognized for his contributions to life skills education. Student accomplishments were also noted, including Mark Green being named a commended student for the National Merit Scholarship and 18 students recognized as Illinois State Scholars for their high GPA and ACT scores.
The district celebrated students at the recent Renaissance breakfast, honoring those recognized by teachers for leadership, character, and positive contributions. Veterans Day activities included an all-school assembly and breakfast for local veterans, with guest speakers discussing military careers and experiences.
Upcoming events highlighted by administrators include the Winter One Acts drama performance, the combined holiday concert, eighth-grade curriculum night, and Trades Day for students interested in vocational paths. Finals are scheduled for December 17-19. District staff also emphasized efforts to expand dual credit and career and technical education opportunities, noting that 75 percent of students received such credits last year.
Rochelle Township High School received a commendable rating of 86.73 on the 2025 ESSA report card, up from 70.37 in 2023. Graduation rates increased from 85 percent to 93 percent over two years, while chronic absenteeism decreased from 33 percent to 17 percent. Students on track for graduation improved significantly, reflecting district-wide efforts to address attendance and academic performance.
The FY25 audit was presented by Wipfli auditor Rebecca Powell, who reported qualified and adverse opinions consistent with prior years and no weaknesses in internal controls. The district achieved a 4.0 out of 4.0 recognition score from the Illinois State Board of Education, and all fund balances remained positive. About $1.3 million in outstanding bond principal will be paid next year, and pension obligations remain in compliance with state requirements.
Financial planning also included discussion of the 2025 tax levy, projected to remain under a five percent increase. The preliminary levy totals $11.29 million, an increase of $536,288 over the prior year, which avoids triggering a Truth in Taxation hearing. The board will consider formal approval to set property tax revenue for the next fiscal year.
Facility planning efforts included seeking a state grant to update the 21-year-old fire alarm system, with $50,000 from the district’s operations budget proposed to match a potential $50,000 grant from the Illinois State Board of Education. The board also conducted a first reading of an updated risk management plan to align with safety and operational procedures and began reviewing 58 new policy recommendations under the Press Plus Issue 120 from the Illinois Association of School Boards.
Finally, the Facility Committee continues research on solar energy options to evaluate potential district projects, and staffing updates were presented including the resignation of special education teacher Joseph Howard at the end of the 2025-26 school year and the hiring of Jennifer Beck as a school bus aide.
