Superintendents give report card on area schools
The five superintendents meet monthly and share many joint contracts, which lowers costs.
The 2024-2025 school year is over. Students have received their report cards, started summer jobs and making college and career plans. On June 9, superintendents from five school districts delivered their report cards.
The June 9, 2025, superintendent forum was an opportunity for parents and residents to hear reports and plans for their children's educational experiences. The meeting was the third in a series of informative discussions sponsored by elev815. Chuck Gilbert, a member of elev815, recognized and welcomed the five district administrators.
Kinnikinnick School District Superintendent Keli Freedlund introduced Shirland Community Consolidated School District Superintendent and Principal, Ryan Wlodek; Rockton School District Superintendent Glenn Terry; Hononegah Community High School Superintendent Michael Dugan; and Prairie Hill School District Superintendent Clint Szizke.
Glenn Terry recently retired after 10 years as Superintendent for the Rockton School District. Dan Phelps is the incoming Superintendent. Previously, Phelps was the Principal of Winnebago Middle School.
Freedlund said the superintendents meet monthly. The district schools are members of SSDCC (Small School District Council Consortium). The organization promotes collaboration between multiple shared resources. Our local districts have joint contracts for maintenance, busing, printing, special education programs, and professional development, which lowers costs.
There are 4,200 students in the five districts. Kinnikinnick School District has the largest enrollment in the elementary and middle schools. Enrollment at Hononegah High School is currently at 1,800 students. The numbers are holding steady.
Dugan reported that four Hononegah students had perfect scores on the ACT standardized standardized tests for college admission this year. Hononegah High School will be adding more AP classes in the fall.
Freedlund said enrollment in the Kinnikinnick School District has remained about the same, although the population of Roscoe has grown.
Szizke reported that there are approximately 800 students enrolled in the Prairie Hill District. Shirland has 108 students in K through 8th grade. The Rockton School District has approximately 1,600 PK, K -8. students.
Superintendent Terry and Dugan agreed that bullying in the middle school and high school is a big problem. "We have an anonymous hotline available. " Dugan said. "Most of the bullying, about 90%, is through social media." Terry said. "I don't think some parents understand the impact of social media. Parents need to report it. "A lot is going on that isn't seen," Freedlund added.
The June 9, 2025, forum was the third community meeting sponsored by Elev815.
