Education Advocates, Critics, and Elected Leaders Amazed by Achievements of RTHS

Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227- and Attorney Andrea Bonds-Board President of RTHS- school Board Member Tiffany Taylor are publicly expressing their collective enthusiasm over recent findings that solidifies RTHS as one of the top performing High School Districts within the state of Illinois. Much of the positive findings reflect the remarkable improvements over the past eight years in which Superintendent Thomas and the full board executed a significant reform plan for the district.

Many regional observers have lauded the district as it sought to overcome the traditional stereotypes of Black and brown school districts. According to an October article written in the American Psychological Association Journal, "Black students are often subject to harsher discipline at school than white students, and those punishments can damage students' perceptions of their school and negatively impact their academic success years later."

It was these stereotypes along with many others, that led Dr. Thomas, President Bonds, Member Taylor and the full RTHS Board to launch a full-scale reform and improvement plan that would allow the district to recognize its challenges and implement reformed plans that included improved facilities, staffing, curriculum and community engagement.

"We are incredibly proud of what we've been able to achieve in these past eight years," said RTHS Superintendent Johnnie Thomas. "Across the district, our system delivered significant improvements in student achievement on state assessments. Together with our dedicated teachers, principals, and the RTHS Board of Education, we will continue to provide high-quality instruction that builds on this growth."

RTHS Board President Andrea Bonds continued, "As both a parent, a parent advocate and as a member of the RTHS School Board, I am proud to see the remarkable progress RTHS has made in improving school performance and student achievement. Our collective efforts-parents, educators, Board members, and community members-are creating a new era of excellence in our schools. Together, we are ensuring that more families can confidently send their children to an RTHS school, knowing they are receiving the education and support in which they deserve to thrive within."

When Dr. Thomas began his tenure, the district faced significant challenges in enrollment and facilities. Through collaboration with community stakeholders, staff, parents, and students, the district embarked on a bold journey to reimagine its future.

Today, Rich Township High School stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, a district that prioritizes creating leaders equipped to thrive in a competitive global society.

This year, the district celebrates several milestone accomplishments:

• Enrollment Growth: Despite projections of 2,173 students for the 2024-2025 school year, enrollment has surged to 2,458, surpassing expectations and reflecting the district's strengthened reputation.
• Record Academic Performance: The 9th Grade On-Track rate soared from 68.3% in 2022 to an impressive 89% in 2024. Graduation rates have also risen from 80.9% in 2023 to 84.5% in 2024, highlighting the district's dedication to student success.
• Global Recognition: The district has achieved IB World School status, offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), equipping students with skills to excel in a globalized world.
• Expanding Opportunities: Career-focused pathways, dual-credit programs, and expanded Advanced Placement (AP) offerings provide students with unparalleled opportunities for academic and professional growth.

Rich Township High School District 227 has seen incredible achievements in athletics and activities:

• The Boys' Basketball team secured the 51st Annual Big Dipper Tournament championship for the first time in 21 years.
• The Marching Band earned its third Chicago Classic title and successfully hosted the Raptor Rumble Band Festival.
• Student groups, such as Robotics, DECA, and the Business Professionals of America, continue to excel in state and national competitions.

Through innovative financial strategies, including a $105 million bond issuance, the district has transformed its facilities into state-of-the-art environments. These include new STEM spaces, a culinary kitchen, updated athletic facilities, and expanded offerings in horticulture, automotive, construction, and aviation.

Rich Township remains steadfast in its mission to create equitable opportunities for all students. Initiatives like the College Board Pre-AP program, an Equity Committee, and culturally responsive professional development have enhanced inclusivity. Community engagement has also been strengthened through redesigned communication platforms, app-based transportation updates, and partnerships addressing local needs.

Dr. Thomas has consistently emphasized the importance of student-focused decision-making. "Some educational institutions create leaders, and some create followers," said Dr. Thomas. "We are committed to ensuring that Rich Township High School is a district that creates leaders."

RTHS Board Member and longtime Rich Township resident Tiffany Taylor expressed gratitude towards her team, who embraced significant and necessary changes within the district. "I'm just appreciative of our team who embraced the changes that we had put in place. We moved aggressively and urgently around some of our reforms, and these changes were not easy. But collectively we remained focused and steadfast in the execution and have marveled at the eventual success of our district."

As the district continues its upward trajectory, it remains dedicated to providing students with the tools they need to lead, innovate, and succeed in an ever-changing world. Many of the elected leaders throughout the region have also coalesced themselves around the RTHS newly reformed system of excellence.

Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin states, " I am thoroughly impressed by the noteworthy progress at RTHS. Dr. Thomas and the full RTHS Board have committed themselves to a higher standard of excellence that taxpayers can easily recognize and feel extremely proud of. It has been an honor to work diligently with this team of educators as they have created a new paradigm shift in how we view education."

"I consider it an honor to have RTHS 227within my district. The impressive statistics are not only a credit to the Superintendent, the faculty, and the Board of Education, but moreover, the full student body. These students have really worked extremely hard to not only academically perform at an elevated level, but to also embrace the improvement plans of the district." says Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill.

Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan adds, "I cannot say enough good things about a large district of this size, the logistical effort to pull these improvement programs off in a short time. It is great for the Rich Township, but it is also great for Cook County to have one of the larger school districts have this kind of improvement."

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