LM Oct 2025

Education Elevat g

Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle McLean County USD #5

Dr. Jason Harper Rochelle Twp HSD #212 and Rochelle CCSD #231

Who: Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle, Superintendent What: Stabilized district finances and avoided significant cuts through a property tax referendum; Helped pass a one-cent countywide sales tax in McLean County; Created a culture of equity through the formation of District Equity Leadership Team; Leading the process to expand programs and update facilities

Who: Dr. Jason Harper, Superintendent What: Served as a dual superintendent of two school districts, which has resulted in increased alignment and financial stabilization; Expanded Dual Language Immersion program; Increased dual credit opportunities for students; Offered tuition reimbursements to strengthen

Where: McLean County USD #5, Corn Belt Region When: Superintendent of McLean County USD #5 for six years; 15th year total as superintendent. Who: Long before Dr. Kristen Kendrick-Weikle became superintendent of McLean County USD #5, she learned a fundamental lesson as a special education teacher: equity must be intentional. “I have always looked at policies and practices through an equity lens,” Dr. Kendrick-Weikle said. “Who is being included and whose voice is not represented that we need to consider. That can range from ensuring all playgrounds are accessible to examining what students are enrolling in upper-level classes. It’s fundamental to our decision making.” Dr. Kendrick-Weikle formed a District Equity Leadership Team to create an environment where all educators understand the district’s common focus on equity work. That shared understanding of equity has shaped the district’s most critical decisions, including its long-term revenue strategy. Dr. Kendrick-Weikle recognized that without adequate funding, the district couldn’t provide

the district’s Grow Your Own program. Where: Rochelle Twp HSD #212 and Rochelle CCSD #231, Northwest Region When: Superintendent of Rochelle Twp HSD #212 for nine years and superintendent of Rochelle CCSD #231 for eight years. Why: When Dr. Jason Harper joined Rochelle Twp HSD #212, overseeing two school districts wasn’t part of the job description. Nine years later, the dual concept has become a cornerstone of a unique partnership between Rochelle Twp HSD #212 and Rochelle CCSD #231 that has helped the two districts address financial concerns, improve alignment and create more opportunities for students. “We talk a lot about three duals: dual district, dual language and dual credit,” Dr. Harper said. “As it turned out, becoming a dual district was a driving force in improved outcomes in the other two categories.”

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LM October 2025