ROCHELLE — Rochelle Community Consolidated School District #231 is pleased to welcome Katie Smith as the new principal of Rochelle Middle School.
Mrs. Smith brings a wealth of experience to RMS, having served as assistant principal at RMS for the past three years. During her tenure, she demonstrated exceptional leadership in instructional development and fostering a positive and cohesive school culture. Prior to joining the administrative team, Mrs. Smith served as a seventh grade language arts teacher at RMS and a fourth grade teacher at May Elementary.
"I'm incredibly excited and honored to join RMS as principal," Smith said. "I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the dedicated staff, engaged students, and supportive families to build upon the school's strengths and foster an environment where every student can thrive."
Mrs. Smith replaces Mr. Jordan Young who has accepted a principal position in the Meridian School district where he resides. Mr. Young served as the RMS principal for seven school years. Prior to that, Mr. Young has over a decade of experience as a middle school science teacher with the district. Mr. Young will be remembered for his steady leadership during the pandemic as well as his ability to develop and implement school improvement plans aimed at improving student growth.
“Mr. Young has a long track record of being a great teacher and administrator for the district. We appreciate his many years of service to our students and community. We wish him the best in his new position,” Superintendent of Rochelle Schools Jason Harper said. “While it is tough to see him move on, we are excited to see Mrs. Smith grow as a future leader in the district.”
“Any leadership change comes with its challenges, but we support Mrs. Smith as she navigates her transition to leading the middle school. We look forward to seeing her continued growth as an educational leader in our community,” said Steve Builta, president of the Rochelle Community Consolidated School District #231 school board.
