New Hononegah Superintendent fields questions at forum
Dr. Ehren Jarrett spent time answering specific questions at an extended part of a forum in May 2026.
At the May 12, 2026 community forum, newly hired Hononegah Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett expanded on his introductory remarks by taking questions from attendees. One of the first questions asked whether he planned to bring academic academies to Hononegah.
Jarrett said that while such programs work well in some districts, he has not yet discussed specific long‑term plans. “That type of program works better in some places than others,” he said. “I haven’t had the opportunity yet to discuss any specific future plans.”
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Rockton‑Roscoe News Managing Editor Harold Bone asked Jarrett what key performance indicators he intends to use to measure success in his first 90 days, first year, and over a five‑year period.
Jarrett said those conversations began during the hiring process. “The board very much did interview me, and we spent a lot of time talking about whether this was a good fit for the board and whether it was a good fit for me to come back,” he said. “Part of that conversation covered what really matters: what are the things that are impactful that we should be focusing on?”
He outlined two early priorities that will guide his transition.
“One is that I have committed in my superintendent contract to a 90‑day listening plan and will report back to the board,” Jarrett said. “I have also committed to partnering with the community to do a community‑based comprehensive planning process, starting in the spring of 2027.”
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Jarrett emphasized that listening will be central to his leadership. “I see both of these as interrelated because I think I will be much more equipped and caught up to speed if I really immerse myself in listening and learning as opposed to telling everyone what I think. I will be doing a lot more listening and a lot less talking.”
Financial stewardship and facilities
Jarrett said Hononegah’s strong financial position will remain a priority. “Some of the metrics we are going to focus on include having goals that are tied to financial excellence, to make sure we are running a tight financial ship,” he said.
He credited Superintendent Dugan and the board for their work. “The place is in incredible shape financially. The physical infrastructure in the 15 years I have been gone has improved in so many ways.”
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Jarrett also noted the importance of athletics and activities in connecting the school to the community. “To see improvements in the campus athletically as well as academically were things that jumped out at me when I got back into the building,” he said. “I am looking forward to continuing that tradition of improvements in the facilities as well as maintaining fiscal responsibility.”
Student readiness and academic goals
Jarrett said Hononegah will continue to expand ways students can demonstrate college and career readiness. “We are going to be looking at co‑curricular rates. I want students to be well‑rounded, and I have a KPI for that,” he said.
He listed dual credit, Advanced Placement, Seal of Biliteracy, ACT performance, attainment, and growth as areas that will be measured. “We are going to be building those measurement systems in year one, setting baselines, and we are going to set some audacious goals,” he said. “As great as Hononegah is, there is always room for us to be even better.”
Leadership team and staffing
A question was raised about whether the district plans to add an assistant superintendent. Jarrett said Hononegah recently hired Billy Lewis as Director of Human Resources. Lewis previously served as principal of Belvidere High School and earlier worked at Hononegah as a teacher and coach. “He stood out in a really strong applicant pool,” Jarrett said.
When asked how he plans to work with his leadership team, Jarrett described his approach. “I like to do what is called rounding, where you go around talking to people and do interviews where you ask them basic and simple questions,” he said. “I am looking forward to engaging with our board, management team, teachers, staff, community members, and students.”
He added that student voice will remain important. “I believe in having a strong and robust advisory group. I think it is really important to have a student voice all the way up to the board meeting level.”
Growth and community partnerships
Jarrett addressed enrollment and housing trends. “The housing market is good right now, which makes it hard sometimes for us to attract younger families,” he said. He expressed interest in working with local real estate and business leaders to develop a sustainable growth plan.
“One of the strengths of Hononegah is that it is truly a destination school district,” he said. “It is exciting to be part of a community where people choose to work and live here because they value the school system.” He also praised the district’s long‑standing partnerships with feeder schools, referring to them collectively as “the Hononegah nations.”
Expectations after 90 days
Jarrett was asked what the community should expect after his first 90 days.
“In the superintendency, there is a natural cadence of doing the job,” he said. “I’m blessed to have been a superintendent for the past thirteen years and bring experience to the job.”
He highlighted the strength of Hononegah’s building‑level leadership. “Working closely with Chad, the faculty, and staff, we will be working together to solve problems and to really promote excellence,” he said. Goals include increasing student participation in co‑curricular activities, improving standardized test performance, and expanding college and career readiness. He noted that Principal Chad Dougherty is exploring the development of a “portrait of a graduate.”
Jarrett said humility will guide his transition. “It is never a good idea to come into a new place and start throwing ideas around from your old place,” he said. “If anyone is worried that I am coming in to sell everybody on the way I did things in Rockford for the past fifteen years, I can put them at ease. I want to reestablish the community norms.”
Academics, athletics, and Hononegah’s culture
Bone asked how Jarrett plans to maintain Hononegah’s long‑standing culture of excellence in both academics and athletics.
“The Compete and Win is something that is deeply ingrained in who I am,” Jarrett said. “I believe that with the investment of additional time and effort we can help every student in any circumstance to achieve and grow.”
Jarrett closed the forum by expressing appreciation. “I want to express gratitude to the board for bringing me back home,” he said.
