ROCHELLE — Rochelle Township High School is gearing up for homecoming week with a full schedule of events, including a downtown parade Thursday at 6 p.m. that will end near Tilton. The school will host a pep rally and coronation at 6:30 p.m. followed by a powder puff football game at 8 p.m. The week’s activities will culminate with Friday night’s varsity football game against LaSalle-Peru and the homecoming dance on Saturday.
At Monday night’s regular meeting, Assistant Principal Alison Vrana reported that 33 percent of the district’s teachers are non-tenured and detailed support programs such as orientation, mentoring, evaluations, and weekly collaboration opportunities. Three new staff members were introduced: Spanish teacher Kim Waters, English teacher Finley Callahan, and library media specialist Amber Cravens. The board also accepted the resignation of softball coach Deanna Jacobs and approved Anna Criswell as interim head coach and Chad Stewart as interim assistant coach for the 2025-26 season.
The board approved the district’s 2025-26 budget following a public hearing, with total receipts of $19.1 million and expenditures of $20.8 million. District Business Manager Kevin Dale noted that some funds reflect intentional deficits as part of a reserve reduction plan tied to facility projects, but overall balances remain strong. The district is not required to submit a deficit reduction plan to the state and will continue to use reserves to cover expenses without seeking additional revenue.
The meeting also highlighted the completion of a nearly $750,000 renovation of the school’s Library Media Center, celebrated Monday with a ribbon cutting and open house. The project, led by Stenstrom Construction Group of Rockford, added new flooring, lighting, USB-equipped electrical outlets, acoustic panels, and a redesigned work space where a computer lab once stood. Cravens said students have quickly embraced the modernized center, using study rooms, flexible seating, a maker space, and new technology, with a podcasting studio expected to open soon.