LM Oct 2025

Education Elevat g

Kendrick-Weikle ... cont’d.

Harper ... cont’d. Those three duals now define the identity of two districts serving a combined 2,400 students in northwestern Illinois. Dr. Harper and a handful of central office staff serve as dual employees for both districts. The payoff of the increased alignment, facilitated by an intergovernmental agreement, is most apparent in the Dual Language Immersion Program, which brings together native English and Spanish-speaking students for high-quality academic instruction delivered in both languages.The Hispanic population in each district is more than 40 percent. More than half of incoming students are placed or choose to enroll in Rochelle’s dual language immersion program. A badge of honor came last year when the district saw its highest total of students, 24, earn the prestigious Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, which certifies high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. “Dual Language has become one of our greatest strengths in serving Rochelle’s diverse community,” Dr. Harper said. “That seamless pathway from preschool through graduation gives our students advantages that will serve them for life.” The third pillar—dual credit—has seen equally impressive growth. Over the last three years, the number of students graduating with 12 or more semester hours worth of college credits has doubled thanks to strong partnerships with Kishwaukee Community College and Northern Illinois University. The expansion reflects the districts’ commitment to providing students with tangible pathways to postsecondary success while reducing the financial burden of higher education. A highlight of that effort is the district’s Grow Your Own Program, where students committed to becoming future teachers are eligible for tuition reimbursements. “Nine years ago, I couldn’t have imagined where this partnership would take us,” Dr. Harper said. “But seeing our students graduate bilingual, with college credits already earned, and ready to give back to their community—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

equitable opportunities—from accessible facilities to manageable class sizes to expanded programming. “We have eight portable units with 16 classrooms because we’re out of space in our main facilities,” Dr. Kendrick-Weikle said. “We need sensory rooms, additional special education staff, more interventionists and coaches—and the space to support them all. Lowering class sizes is the goal, but we can’t do it without adequate facilities.” Over the past two and a half years, McLean County USD #5 has passed a property tax referendum and championed a one-cent countywide sales tax—historic achievements that directly address equity concerns. The sales tax is also contributing to school safety, with revenue helping fund additional School Resource Officer positions, as well as abating taxes for bonds passed in 2008. The equity work extends beyond facilities. Students in McLean County USD #5 can now earn an Associate’s Degree in computer science before graduation. The district’s Grow Your Own teacher pipeline program has expanded, more female students are enrolling in STEM classes, and extracurricular opportunities have grown to serve more diverse interests. “We were facing significant cuts to extracurriculars and programs that students depend on,” Dr. Kendrick-Weikle said. “Now we have a bright future ahead—one that will continue to be guided by equity, ensuring every student has access to the opportunities they deserve.”

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LM October 2025