ROCHELLE – Monday night’s Rochelle Township High School board meeting started a bit emotionally as retiring band director Ron Duval addressed the board during public comment.
Duval talked about his 36 years as band director at the school and how great it has been, even teaching music to some of the now board members as well as District Superintendent Jason Harper.
“It has been a pleasure to teach here and encourage students to value their education in both music and academics,” said Duval. “I have been able to provide students the opportunity to not only choose to participate in band but also pursue their other interests.”
Duval will retire after the end of this school year in May.
Principal report
Following the presentation from Duval, board members passed a motion to approve the entire consent agenda including minutes for the December regular meeting and executive session, pay the bills and approve the treasurer’s report.

Principal Chris Lewis then addressed the board, touching on the end of the first semester and final exams as well as freshman seminar.
The RTHS freshman class seminar aims to help students know what classes are necessary to take the following semester, making class selection much easier.
“The counselors are in one of their busier times of the year, they are meeting with kids in full groups and talking to them about what they took as freshman and what they are going to need to take as sophomores,” Lewis explained.
He also explained plans to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., both on Monday and throughout the week.
One of the activities the school has planned is a coin drive during second hour in which the winning class will be rewarded with a pizza party. Another is playing the iconic “I have a dream” speech throughout the hallways.
Superintendent report
Board members accepted the resignation of English teacher Joel Ramsey and approved the employment of Shaun Schaefers as the new band and marching band director for the 2020-21 school year.
Business manager Kevin Dale also gave a short update on the 2020 budget and expenses to-date, saying the district has currently used approximately 51.9 percent of its budget.
“Our budget is set at $15.7 million and we have spent just about $8.2 million,” Dale explained.
Following an executive session, board members passed a motion to expel a student for the remainder of the school year. The student will be placed in alternative schooling for the 2020-21 school year.
The February meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18 due to Presidents Day falling on that Monday.