Dear Friends,

As the holiday season surrounds us with warmth and joy, I find myself reflecting on all that we’ve accomplished together this year and the opportunities ahead for ROE21.

This year, I’ve been reminded time and again how fortunate we are to have such an incredible team, and I am truly grateful for the trust and support of our communities and school districts. Together, we’ve made a difference—reaching more students, supporting more educators, and strengthening schools across Southern Illinois.

It’s been an exciting year of growth for ROE21. One of our proudest accomplishments has been the implementation of our Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) into two additional schools, creating even more opportunities for students to thrive. We’ve also expanded our Professional Learning Department with the addition of a Professional Learning Specialist, allowing us to provide more targeted support for educators. And, with the addition of an ROE Services Director and an Internal Operations Director, Executive Coordinator, we’ve strengthened our ability to serve not only our districts but also our employees.

This fall, we celebrated the success of our 2nd Annual Brain Games, a lively event that brought out the best in our students as they showcased their academic talents and teamwork. I was amazed by their creativity and determination—it’s always inspiring to see students rise to the challenge. And, as we look to the new year, we’re excited to kick off our 1st Annual Spelling Bee, another opportunity to celebrate student achievement and bring our community together.

Another highlight of the year has been our district-wide participation in the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) Educator Shortage Survey. Your input is helping us address one of the most pressing challenges facing education today—the teacher shortage. Together, we’re working with lawmakers to create real, meaningful solutions that will ensure every student has access to a qualified, passionate educator.

Our collaborative efforts with the Illinois State Board of Education have also been a highlight of this year. This strengthened partnership between Regional Offices of Education and the state is already producing positive outcomes for students, schools, and educators.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue working on Vision 2030, a statewide initiative aimed at preparing students for the future. From enhancing college and career exploration to building future-ready skills, we’re laying the groundwork for a brighter future for our students.

As the year comes to a close, I hope you’ll take time to rest, recharge, and savor special moments with family and friends. From all of us at ROE21, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for your continued partnership in building a stronger future for Southern Illinois schools and communities.

Warm regards,

Lorie LeQuatte, Regional Superintendent