ROCHELLE — The Rochelle Township High School Board held its regular monthly meeting Monday, August 18, 2025, to review academic achievements, facility improvements, budget updates, and fall programming. Officials thanked summer staff for preparing the building and reported that the Hub Gallery project is complete, with the Library Media Center expected to open by early September and a ribbon-cutting scheduled for Sept. 15. The Meet the Hubs Fall Family Night is set for Aug. 22 at the stadium, with gates opening at 5:15 p.m.
Principal Dr. Chris Lewis reported that chronic absenteeism dropped from 33% to 17% over two years, graduation rates remain strong, and dual credit hours for juniors and seniors rose from 720 to 1,290, tripling since 2015. Last year, 74% of seniors graduated with college credit, 108 AP tests were taken with a 90% pass rate, and 67 students earned 12 or more credits. Twelve students earned the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy in 2025, and dual credit offerings are expected to expand in coming years. The 2025-26 School Improvement Plan sets goals to reduce truancy by 5% and maintain GPA benchmarks, with 85% of freshmen and sophomores and 90% of juniors and seniors expected to maintain a 2.0 GPA, and targets for a 2.8 GPA ranging from 61% to 70% across grade levels.
The Agriculture Department reported 196 students enrolled across seven courses, with 149 approved for the agriculture pathway endorsement. Donna Page, RTHS Ag Instructor and FFA Advisor, noted the chapter has 50 active members and ranks 50th in Illinois out of 360 chapters. Emily Lovett will receive her American Degree at the National FFA Convention, and Alayna Smardo earned her State FFA Degree.
Budget discussions highlighted ongoing challenges, including a $1.5 million deficit resulting largely from a planned spend-down of reserve funds to pay for the library remodel and new scoreboards without borrowing. Some state and federal grants have been reduced or frozen, while a 2% tax increase added roughly $30,000. Superintendent Dr. Jason Harper reported a 20% increase in the district’s health insurance plan, with teacher contributions rising from $1,200 to $1,300, approved by the Teachers Association.
Personnel changes approved by the board included resignations from wrestling assistant coach Nelson Baker and girls track assistant coach Zachary Miller; new hires Kent Lodico, girls softball assistant coach; Susan Naylor, special education department chair; Karl Olsen, assistant band director; Holli Rapp, girls track assistant coach; Trevor Stoos, volunteer football coach; and Nena Tracy, substitute bus driver. Rachel Plock was transferred from student council assistant advisor to lead advisor.
Facility improvements include completion of the detention pond, upgraded Hub Gallery desks and power supplies, a Perry weather system for stadium lightning and heat monitoring, LED auditorium lighting with digital sound upgrades, new scoreboards for baseball and softball, expanded and heated storage areas, and improved hall lighting. Health grant improvements added new seating, a sensory decompression space, and soundproofing, while detention bond work resolved water issues at baseball fields. Upcoming projects include paving and bus lane improvements, additional LED lighting and scoreboard upgrades, concrete work, and exploration of a solar panel array on campus.
The board approved the agenda and consent items including minutes from June meetings, bills payable, the treasurer’s report, the district treasurer bond, student handbook, FY26 emergency operations plan, family leave requests, curriculum guide and text list, and the GASB 54 plan. Board Policy 119 updates were presented for first reading.