District highlights athletics participation and KHS reports rising graduation and AP outcomes

District athletic and activities leaders and Kankakee High School administrators used the Jan. 28 meeting to highlight student participation, academic supports tied to activities, and performance gains at the high school.

Ronnie Wilcox, the district’s director of athletics and activities, described a 10‑year arc of program growth: he listed offerings (volleyball, cross country, flag football, tennis, wrestling, competitive cheer, and others), said roughly 4,60–500 student‑athletes participate annually across 29 programs, and estimated about 80% of students partake in some club or sport. Wilcox reported a 2.65 cumulative GPA for student‑athletes based on last year’s numbers and projected the district is on pace for a record ~32 senior athletes to sign college letters of intent this year. He emphasized leadership development through captain councils and coach‑led instruction.

Kankakee High School Principal Dr. Brass reported last year’s scholarship totals (about $13 million at graduation) and highlighted academic indicators: graduation rate increased from 71% in 2023 to 85.1% in the most recent year, subgroup gains across African American, Hispanic and English learner populations, a reduction in chronic absenteeism from 68.9% to 53.6%, and increased AP enrollment and pass rates. Principal Brass said the school will target growth in math and reading and aims to improve freshmen on‑track measures by May 2026.

Board members and administrators framed athletics and activities as supporting student engagement and academic success; no formal votes were taken on program changes.