LM March 2024

Education Elevat g Thomas ... cont’d. Jackson ... cont’d.

students are Black or Latino and over 89 percent come from economically disadvantaged homes. As part of this redesign, Rich Twp HSD #227 closed one of its flagship campuses and redeveloped two campuses into one comprehensive high school with two campuses, a Fine Arts and Communications campus and a STEM campus. The reimagining has covered everything from developing pathways, re-examining graduation requirements, enhancing AP curriculum, implementing an International Baccalaureate Program, opening a Freshman Academy and expanding vocational opportunities. “Before we started this journey, we had facilities that were not conducive for learning and there were spots where drinking fountains weren’t working and students didn’t feel comfortable using the bathrooms because of the horrible conditions,” Dr. Thomas said. “We needed to transform in order to get the focus back on learning. We’re at the point now where visitors come to tour our facilities and they are shocked that we are a majority-minority district.” In addition to overseeing major renovations and reimagining the high school experience at Rich Twp HSD #227, Dr. Thomas is proud of the work his district has done to address food insecurity. The district of nearly 2,400 students has partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to open a food pantry that provides grocery support to families in need. “There was a need in our community. Our pantry is the only one in south suburban Cook County that provides direct grocery support to families,” Dr Thomas said. “We’ve taken a holistic approach. We have our students with disabilities, along with student volunteers, staff the pantry and put together meals for families. We’re still in the early stages. The goal is to eventually deliver meals to families.” Dr. Thomas is also president of the Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of Demographics and Diversity. The group represents school districts across the state of Illinois with a focus on demographics and diversity. SCSDD partners with higher education institutions, offers professional development to educators, parents and provides scholarships to high school students. In two years, the Commission, in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, has raised more than $600,000 in total scholarships, which will include 10 full-ride scholarships to Tougaloo College in Mississippi, a Historically Black College and University. “In the journey towards educational equity and student success, the partnership with a supportive board focused on children has been the guiding light,” said Dr. Thomas. “Together, we have reimagined the high school experience, addressed food insecurity and raised funds for college scholarships. With dedication and collaboration, we are shaping a brighter future for all our students and the communities I humbly serve. We are stronger together.”

Corporation, that have helped attract businesses through the development of an industrial park and the formation of a new water cooperative. The district has also played a major role in the development of The Wright Family Center, a new community building that includes a fitness center, weight room, gymnasium, community rooms and a daycare facility. But one of the biggest draws to Deiterich is the high quality educational system. Under Jackson’s leadership, Dieterich CUSD #30 has an Exemplary rated Elementary School and Commendable-rated Jr. High/High School. “Our students have great work ethics and a lot of that is because of high expectations,” Jackson said. “Our families have high expectations for their children and high expectations for the school district. Our challenge is to continuously meet those expectations.” Jackson has also pushed to expand dual credit offerings and vocational opportunities for students. The district is part of the Effingham Regional Career Academy (ERCA). Through an agreement with Lake Land College, Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System 340 and several other Effingham region school districts, ERCA will move into a new career and technology center in Effingham later this year. “When you pool resources and come together as a region, you’re able to provide new opportunities for students,” Jackson said. Dieterich CUSD #30 also provides additional opportunities for students by participating in the RISE Network, also known as Rural Illinois Shared Education. The partnership provides a distance learning network for rural schools across Illinois. “In smaller, rural communities, there are courses students want to take, but we are unable to offer them locally,” Jackson said. “RISE opens doors for students and expands the reach of the classroom.” Outside of Dieterich CUSD #30, Jackson serves on the Accountability Subcommittee for the Vision 2030 Workgroup. He is also Secretary/Treasurer for the Wabash Valley Region and is Regional Chair for IASBO’s Southeast Region.

11 LM March 2024