Hononegah School Board hires Dr. Ehren Jarrett as next superintendent

Hononegah's Board of Education voted to hire Dr. Ehren Jarrett as the next superintendent at their July 2025 meeting.

Hononegah School Board hires Dr. Ehren Jarrett as next superintendent
Newly elected Hononegah School District Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett

Hononegah Community High School's Board of Education voted to hire Dr. Ehren Jarrett as the next superintendent at the July 2025 meeting.

He will succeed the current Superintendent Mike Dugan, who will retire on June 30, 2026, after what will be the final year of Dugan's eight-year tenure at HCHS.

Dr. Jarrett will start on July 1, 2026.

Prior to the board vote, Jason Johnson asked if any other candidates were considered for this position. He also asked if Mr. Jarrett would answer questions.

Johnson was told by HCHS Board of Education president Dave Kurlinkus that no questions could be directed to Dr. Jarrett, but only to the board.

Former HCHS teacher Tom Adams told the board, “You have made a fantastic decision, I cannot think of a greater person as far as his vision on how to educate the kids, how to run a district and how to engage as many different opinions and to work through tough times with as much class and professionalism as Ehren did, as he demonstrated when he was principal here. I cannot speak highly enough.”

“Many staff members are excited to have Dr. Jarrett's passion and enthusiasm back in our building,” one staff member said. Although this is a different position than he was in previously, I feel he has a great appreciation and understanding of our staff, students, and communities.”

Several staff members were at the meeting.

In November 2024, the board started to talk about some of the different possible processes for looking for a new superintendent, including whether or not to do a search or to have a deputy superintendent in training. The board was also trying to establish a time frame.

“The board wasn't too enthusiastic about the option of having a deputy superintendent in training option,” Kurlinkus said.

There were no candidates at that time.

No action was taken by the board until March, when it was discovered that Dr. Jarrett wasn't seeking an extension of his contract with the Rockford School District. Once Jarrett found out that Superintendent Dugan wasn't renewing his contract, he reached out to Kurlinkus, who then brought this news to the board.

Dr. Jarrett did an interview with only the board in a closed session meeting. No administration was in the room.

At that meeting, the board asked Jarrett specific questions. After his interview, the board showed overwhelming support, Kurlinkus said.

The Board voted to employ a superintendent and to approve the superintendent contract, then officially hired Jarrett as superintendent at the July board of education meeting.

HCHS board member Evan Schoepski abstained from both items, and board vice president Mary Lewis was absent.

Schoepski states, “I abstained from the vote for the following reason. While I have great respect for Dr. Jarrett's qualifications and believe that he will be an asset to Hononegah. I was unable to vote 'yes' due to my concerns with the process.
I am confident in his ability to lead and wish him all the best in his new role.”

“Dr. Jarrett's prior experience at HCHS sets him apart,” Kurlinkus said.

Kurlinkus reflected, “A different process was used when we have recruited new superintendent hires in the past.”

“This time we didn't use a search firm. Years ago, when we used a firm, the cost to hire them ran around $30-$40,000.”

After 13 years in Rockford Public School District #205 Jarrett says he is looking forward to returning to Hononegah to serve as its next superintendent.

Jarrett began his 25 year career in public education at HCHS. He was both a social studies teacher and an assistant basketball coach from 2001-2004, After serving for a year as an assistant principal at Rockford East High School, he returned to Hononegah as the associate principal from 2005-2007 and as building principal from 2007-2011. Chad Daugherty is the current building principal.

Jarrett said, “I am grateful for the Hononegah Board's offering me the opportunity to return to a place that is truly special to me and my entire family.”

From 2011-2013 Jarrett served as an assistant superintendent for the Rockford Public Schools with a focus on principal supervision.

In 2013 he was named superintendent of the Rockford Public Schools, and plans to continue serving until the end of his current contract in 2026. In April of 2025, after 12 years as superintendent, Jarrett made the decision not to seek another contract with the Rockford Board of Education.

“We feel very fortunate that a superintendent of Dr. Jarrett's caliber became available at the exact time Superintendent Dugan was retiring,” Board President Dave Kurlinkus said.

“By entering into a contract almost a year in advance of the change, it will allow Dugan and Jarrett to work together to ensure a smooth transition. We feel that Dr. Jarrett is an excellent fit for Hononegah and look forward to his returning home and continuing our legacy of pursuing academic excellence.”