Statement from Hononegah Board of Education on selecting Dr. Ehren Jarrett as Superintendent

Selecting a superintendent to lead the school district is one of the most challenging and important responsibilities a school board is elected to perform. Beginning last November, the Hononegah Board of Education began discussing the superintendent’s position in anticipation of current Superintendent Michael Dugan’s retirement at the end of the 2025-26 school year. The Board discussed several alternatives, one of which was a deputy superintendent position to work with Superintendent Dugan during his last year and to take over after his retirement, but the Board ultimately chose not to pursue that plan. The Board also discussed conducting a search using a search firm to come up with a candidate. Amid those discussions, in March, local media announced that Dr. Ehren Jarrett was not seeking an extension of his contract as superintendent of Rockford Public Schools District #205. It was also reported that his contract would expire at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Dr. Jarrett reached out to the Hononegah District to inquire about the upcoming vacancy. The Hononegah Board discussed the possible availability of an experienced and qualified candidate with a background at Hononegah. Dr. Jarrett had previously been at Hononegah as a highly regarded classroom teacher, associate principal and principal for a period of 9 years before becoming RPS #205’s assistant superintendent for two years and then superintendent for 13 years. Discussions about the possibility of Dr. Jarrett’s becoming Mr. Dugan’s successor continued. In May, Dr. Jarrett met with the Hononegah Board for an interview. Ultimately, the Board agreed that Dr. Jarrett’s experience and familiarity with Hononegah made him the ideal successor to Mr. Dugan. At its July Board meeting, Dr. Jarrett was approved as the next superintendent of Hononegah Community School District #207 beginning on July 1, 2026.

Hononegah CHSD #207 Board of Education.

Illinois law gives school boards the authority to hire a superintendent, but the process must follow certain state requirements. The Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/10-16.7) grants boards the power to make the appointment, and the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2) allows candidate discussions in closed session but requires the final vote to be taken in public.

The Illinois Association of School Boards recommends, but does not require, steps such as publicly announcing the vacancy, gathering community input, and interviewing multiple candidates.

Districts may also set their own search procedures in board policy, which, if in place, must be followed in addition to state law.

The board voted in public on July 16th, 2025, to approve the superintendent contract, in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/2) , which requires final actions to be taken in open session. While the vote met legal requirements, some residents have voiced concerns about how the process was handled. Rockton resident Anthony Jenkins outlined his perspective in an open letter sent to the Rockton-Roscoe News, which can be read online.

Any questions regarding the Hononegah School Board should be brought up during the Public Comment (This is the time in which we invite the public to address the school board with issues and concerns. In the interest of giving everyone time, we ask you to limit your comments to five minutes. Also, we will not tolerate personal attacks or inappropriate language. If you are interested in making a comment, please stand and state your name.)

Hononegah School Board meeting times and dates can be found on the Hononegah High School website where the School Board has a webpage - https://www.hononegah.org/school-board-home-home