Meet the Cabinet

Superintendent Ehren Jarrett leads Rockford Public Schools with support from his cabinet, a team of specialized education administrators.

Learn about the RPS 205 leadership team:

Jason Barthel

Jason Barthel

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Chief Information Officer

Mr. Barthel oversees the Technology Services, IT Security, Information Services and Educational Technology Departments. The mission of RPS 205 Technology Services is to ensure equitable and secure access to achieve a 21st century education that enhances student achievement. He joined RPS 205 in 2018 and has more than 20 years of experience in information technology, including eight years in the military supporting technology and telecommunications.

Did you know?

Mr. Barthel is a first-generation college graduate and holds two master’s degrees.

Dr. Gregory Brown

Dr. Gregory Brown

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Chief Financial Officer

Dr. Brown ensures the district’s financial operations run smoothly. That includes making sure adequate and equitable funding is available for student programming. The Finance Department ensures the district has the supplies and services it needs to operate, in addition to ensuring staff and vendors are paid. The department is accountable to the community for the financial resources they provide the district through accurate and transparent financial reporting. He joined RPS 205 in 2021 after working in the Belvidere School District.

Did you know?

Dr. Brown co-authored the winning proposal to convert the vacant Shopko building in Belvidere into the new Advanced Technology Center for Rock Valley College.

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Tucona Crowder

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Chief Human Resources Officer

Bio coming soon.




Heidi Dettman

Heidi Dettman

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Chief Academic Officer

Mrs. Dettman leads the Education Services team, which exists to ensure all students have access to high quality curriculum, programming and learning resources. From the prenatal-to-3 program through College and Career Academies, the Ed Service Division is devoted to students' entire journey through Rockford Public Schools. The team designs comprehensive support for all students. She joined RPS 205 in 2012 and has experience as an English teacher in both high school and post-secondary, in addition to working as a curriculum dean and administrator.

Did you know?

Mrs. Dettman has a higher than average appreciation for naps and breakfast sandwiches. Best nap of her life: 2013, Vermont. Best breakfast sandwich of her life: 2021, Seattle.

Dr. Morgan Gallagher

Dr. Morgan Gallagher

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Chief Of Schools

Dr. Gallagher oversees the RPS 205 schools team, which supports principals at each of the district’s buildings. He joined RPS 205 in 2016 as principal at Roosevelt Community Education Center. He started his career in Chicago Public Schools teaching elementary bilingual special education, Spanish and social studies, before working as an administrator.

Did you know?

Dr. Gallagher originally studied international relations in undergrad and has lived abroad in China, Spain and Italy.

Lori Hoadley

Lori Hoadley

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GENERAL COUNSEL

Mrs. Hoadley leads the Legal Department and oversees all legal matters for Rockford Public Schools. She joined RPS 205 in 2010.

Did you know?

Mrs. Hoadley has been blessed with two incredible grandchildren.

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Jennifer Lawrence

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Chief of Student Services

Bio coming soon.

Michael Phillips

Michael Phillips

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Chief Operations Officer

Mr. Phillips is responsible for the oversight, planning and long-term vision of operations in Rockford Public Schools. That includes the district’s facilities, design and construction, distribution and logistics, nutrition services and transportation. He joined the district in 2018. His previous work experience includes higher education.

Did you know?

Mr. Phillips worked in the construction industry for 17 years as an apprentice and journeyman millwright. From that experience, he gained a love of metal fabrication and welding.

Dr. Antoine Reed

Dr. Antoine Reed

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Chief of Culture and Student Engagement

Dr. Reed leads the district’s goal to interrupt the predictability of a student’s success based on their zip code. He started his education career 18 years ago as a coach, then teacher and administrator. He started in RPS 205 in 2022 and brings his experience working in Chicago Public Schools, South Bend Indiana Public Schools, and Milwaukee Public Schools. Inclusion work is urgent. It’s more than a job; it’s a daily mission and a fulfilment of a life duty.

Did you know?

Dr. Reed is a three-sport athlete and is still very fast. As of the summer of 2022, he can still beat his son. He also knows how to prepare and cook a healthy version of anything – you name it.