ROCHELLE — At its monthly meeting Tuesday, the Rochelle Elementary School District Board of Education heard an enrollment update presented by Rochelle Schools Superintendent Jason Harper.

This year, the district has 17 more students than it had last year, with a total of 1,430 students among its K-8 this year. The district's kindergarten and first grade both have eight sections right now. Of its current kindergarten students, 58 percent are in the district's dual language program.

The district has dealt with declining enrollment numbers in recent years, which was part of its basis for changing to an attendance center model in recent years that resulted in the closure of May Elementary School in 2021.

Levy

The board heard a preliminary levy report by District Business Manager Kevin Dale during the meeting. The district will be asking for $11,344,063 with its property tax levy this year, a 4.6 percent increase on what it was extended last year ($10,837,928). The levy will not require a truth in taxation hearing due to it being under a five percent increase.

The district's equalized assessed value (EAV) was $385,347,209 last year and a 4.69 percent increase is projected this year, to $403,403,269.

The levy will be up for approval by the board by December.

Cardiac

The board heard a report on the district's cardiac response planning during the meeting by District Nurse Joelle Builta, who has been working to bring the district in line with new state legislation, House Bill 5394, which deals with schools' preparation for potential cardiac events. Cardiac response planning includes training for all staff on hands-only CPR.

Cardiac response teams were selected for each school at the elementary school district that include someone certified in CPR, someone certified in Stop the Bleed, and someone ready to assist in an emergency.

The cardiac response plan will be disseminated throughout each school and evaluated each year with training conducted. The district has new automated external defibrillators this year, including some that can be taken to away sporting events and field trips. 

HUB

The board heard an update on its HUB Program during the meeting from HUB Program Director Yazmin Nambo. The grant-funded HUB Program is specifically targeted to support the district’s K-8 at-risk youth using a before and after-school model plus summer school. It provides educational activities for children and experiences such as field trips and members of the community coming in to do demonstrations for the students.

Nambo said there are 225 students enrolled in the program for the school year. Over the summer, the program served 160 students. The program is in the final year of the grant that funds it and is preparing for the possibility of applying for a new grant. 

Bus lease

The board unanimously approved the renewal of bus leases during the meeting. The district needs to replace current leased buses with new leases for seven 2025 77-passenger transit-style buses. Current leases are expiring July 1, 2025 and the buses will replace existing buses.

Crawford

The board heard an annual report on the David Crawford Foundation during the meeting. The foundation recently completed its 30th year and was established to provide for classrooms in the district. Last year, the foundation awarded eight grants totaling $3,780. Crawford Foundation Board Member Todd Prusator said the foundation is in good financial condition.