Dr. Ehren Jarrett is in his 12th year as superintendent of Rockford Public Schools, where he has led transformative changes aimed at improving educational outcomes and supporting the community.
Upon taking the helm in 2012, Rockford Public Schools faced significant challenges: declining student achievement, aging facilities, and a declining relationship with the business community. Through his vision and leadership, he has turned those challenges into opportunities, revitalizing the district and its schools.
A champion for equity, Dr. Jarrett has worked tirelessly to ensure that all students - regardless of their zip code - have access to high-quality education. Working with his administration, RPS 205 has implemented a $250 million facilities plan, resulting in new schools, modernized classrooms, and ensuring every learning space is equipped with air conditioning.
With a deep commitment to equity and excellence, Dr. Jarrett has spearheaded initiatives to close achievement gaps, including the creation of a Chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion role to ensure African American voices are heard.
One of Dr. Jarrett’s most notable achievements is his work to establish Rockford Promise, Illinois' first major college promise program. This initiative provides tuition-free college education to RPS 205 graduates with a 3.0 GPA, creating pathways to success for hundreds of students. In just three years, nearly 500 full-tuition scholarships have been awarded, underscoring his commitment to long-term student achievement.
Dr. Jarrett is also dedicated to addressing the workforce and teacher shortages by introducing innovative grow-your-own pathways for aspiring educators. His focus on building leadership capacity extends to principals and teachers alike, ensuring a strong instructional core and student-centered approach across the district.
Recognized for his fiscal responsibility, Dr. Jarrett and his administration have kept the district’s tax levy flat for over a decade, reducing the tax rate from a high of 7.93 to 5.19 while increasing property values by over $1.2 billion. These efforts have positioned Rockford as one of the nation’s most attractive housing markets, as noted by the *Wall Street Journal*.
Dr. Jarrett earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northern Illinois University, where he was named Alumni of the Year by the College of Education. He serves on several boards, including the Alignment Rockford Governing Board, Discovery Center Board of Directors, and the Ford Next Generation Learning Superintendent’s Council.
Dr. Jarrett lives in Rockford with his wife, Christie, and their two children, and remains deeply invested in the future of the Rockford community and its schools.
Since we all have a stake in our education system, this is a chance to find out first-hand what is happening in RPS 205. Join us in person at Memorial Hall or via Zoom (836 8113 5120 and no password required).
A suitable host will be announced in the future.
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