Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett has been named the 2025 Superintendent of Distinction by his colleagues in the Kishwaukee Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).
Dr. Jarrett was honored at an awards luncheon May 15 in Springfield. State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders was the featured speaker, where 21 IASA regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized.
“It has been an honor to serve as superintendent in the community I proudly call home for the past 12 years,” said Superintendent Jarrett, a 28-year veteran educator. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, from raising student achievement to building lasting partnerships with families and the broader community. This journey has truly meant the world to me.”
Those nominating Dr. Jarrett noted a number of successes during his tenure including:
Fiscal Responsibility & Community Investment:
Maintained a flat tax levy for more than a decade, lowering the tax rate from 7.93 to 4.78, while overseeing a $250 million investment in modernized school facilities and universal classroom air conditioning—contributing to over $1.2 billion in increased community property value.
Academic Growth & Student Success:
Achieved sustained gains in literacy (grades 3–8), consistent increases in graduation rates, and notable improvements in Freshman on Track data since 2019.
Rockford Promise:
Served as an early supporter and was instrumental in growing the partnership with NIU and the city of Rockford, making college more accessible through a full-tuition scholarship program for RPS graduates that resulted in nearly 500 scholarships awarded in just three years.
Teacher Pipeline Innovation:
Launched a nationally recognized "Grow Your Own" pathway in partnership with Rockford University that begins in middle school, guarantees student teaching placement, and supports future educators with tuition discounts—producing up to 20 new homegrown teachers each year.
College & Career Academy Excellence:
Led RPS 205 to national recognition by the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) with seven model academies, significantly expanding early college credit access through Advanced Placement and dual credit programs.
Received the Charles Bowser Leadership Award from the National Coalition of Career Academies in 2024 for contributions in making RPS 205's High School Academies a national model.
"Effective school leadership requires both vision and the ability to execute," said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. "Dr. Jarrett has demonstrated both qualities consistently throughout his career in Rockford. His focus on building community partnerships while enhancing educational opportunities has created lasting positive change for students."
The Kishwaukee Region is comprised of Kane, Dekalb, McHenry, Boone and Winnebago counties. Superintendents of Distinction were selected by peers in their region based on their commitment, dedication and leadership.