ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Elementary District 231 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night at Lincoln Elementary School. Three building principals provided updates on academic and behavioral goals. Central School Principal Justin Adolph reported a significant increase in third-grade math proficiency attributed to a focus on fluency in reading and math, as well as improvements in foundational writing skills. Adolph highlighted the school’s use of partner breaks and classroom interventions to address behavioral challenges, while noting staff retention and support for new teachers as ongoing priorities. Positive referrals have risen dramatically, with more than 100 sent to parents this year compared to 27 last year.
Tilton School Principal Ben Schwartz reported a 26% decrease in disciplinary referrals and a 15% increase in positive referrals compared to last year. He emphasized reading engagement initiatives, including a book report reward system, and praised staff and community support. Schwartz also provided a construction update, noting that Tilton’s building project is on schedule, with most windows installed and the roof sealed. He highlighted the school’s SEL and academic readiness teams, which focus on fostering a positive climate and student engagement both academically and socially.
Rochelle Middle School Principal Katie Smith described efforts to improve student engagement through professional learning, co-teaching practices, and technology integration. The middle school is preparing 20 eighth-grade students to begin Spanish IV at Rochelle Township High School next year. Smith outlined strategies to address defiance and noncompliance behavior referrals, noting a small decrease in overall referrals but a rise in specific behavioral categories. She also highlighted community partnership initiatives, including the Gobble Wobble food drive, advisory bracelet project, and the upcoming Coco at the Curb event on December 19th.
The board approved the district’s Risk Management Plan and board policy updates following first readings last month. The 2026-2027 school calendar was also approved, with a student start date of August 13, 2026, two teacher institute days preceding that start, a contiguous two-week winter break, and spring and fall breaks remaining consistent with past years. Board members discussed scheduling adjustments related to Tilton School’s construction project and noted collaboration with the teacher association on planning early release and institute days.