EDUCATIONAL LEADERS THROUGHOUT THE NATION TO VISIT CHICAGO AREA STEM CAMPUS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE BEST CENTERS IN THE UNITED STATES

Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227
Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227

EDUCATIONAL LEADERS THROUGHOUT THE NATION TO VISIT CHICAGO AREA STEM CAMPUS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE BEST CENTERS IN THE UNITED STATES

 

RICH TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL(RTHS) STEM 32,000 FOOT CAMPUS NOW REGARDED AS THE MOST BENCHMARKED FACILITIES OF ITS KIND

 NATIONAL LEADERS TO EXPRESS THEIR ADMIRATION AND POSITIVE IMPRESSIONS ON THE POSITIVE RESULTS DRIVEN RTHS STEM CAMPUS

 

Press  Conference was held today, Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 @ 10:00 AM 

RTHS STEM Center Campus, 3200 203rd Street, Olympia Fields, Illinois


 

(Olympia Fields, IL) Dr. Johnnie Thomas- General Superintendent of the Rich Township High School District 227- will be joined by area elected officials and community leaders in welcoming educational leaders throughout the United States in a Chicago area tour of the nationally renowned RTHS Stem Center of Olympia Fields, Illinois.

The RTHS Stem Campus is nationally regarded as one of the most innovative and advancing academic achievement spaces in the United States. During the visit, the National leaders will particularly focus upon the modern Career and Technical Education (CTE) wing of the campus. The group officially started their tour at 8:15 AM and wrapped with the 10:00 a.m. press conference.

The 32,000-square-foot facility was designed to provide students with expanded opportunities for hands-on learning and real-world experience. Previously unveiled to the community, this state-of-the-art space continues to serve as a powerful example of the district’s commitment to preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond high school.

The CTE wing features innovative labs and classrooms where students explore growing fields such as Aviation, Construction, Horticulture, and Automotive Technology. These environments mirror professional workplaces and allow students to connect classroom learning with practical applications—equipping them with 21st-century skills, fostering creativity, and inspiring future innovators, builders, and leaders.

Building on the momentum of this work, Rich Township High School District 227—focused on students and student success—will welcome leadership from the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) to the Rich Township STEM Campus for a special visit centered on innovation, equity, and student achievement.

During the visit, NABSE leaders toured classrooms and learning spaces in the CTE wing and across the STEM Campus, observe instruction, and engage with students, teachers, and administrators. The purpose of the visit is to highlight Rich Township’s commitment to expanding access to rigorous STEM and CTE opportunities while advancing academic achievement for all students, particularly Black students, and other historically underserved groups.

“We are honored to host NABSE at Rich Township,” said Dr. Johnnie Thomas, Superintendent of Rich Township High School District 227. “Their mission aligns closely with our work to ensure that every student feels seen, supported, and prepared for college, careers, and life. Our STEM Campus and CTE wing are powerful examples of what’s possible when we invest in innovative programs that open doors for our scholars.”

NABSE leadership got the opportunity to learn more about the district’s STEM pathways, including emerging opportunities in Horticulture, Automotive, Construction, and Aviation, as well as Rich Township’s broader vision to provide a Five-Star, Five-Diamond Rich Experience for every student.

Illinois State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin adds, “ RTHS continues to impress legislators and educators throughout the state of Illinois with its commitment to achieving the highest educational standards by preparing our children for this all format through STEM. I applaud Dr. Thomas and his team for leading such a global minded opportunity for the RTHS student body.”

“At the STEM Campus, we are intentional about creating learning experiences where our scholars can see themselves as innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders,” said Janice Wells, Co-Principal of the STEM Campus. “This visit is not only a celebration of what our students and staff are accomplishing in spaces like the CTE wing, but also an opportunity to deepen partnerships that help us continue to grow.”

“I welcomed the NABSE leadership team to RTHS to witness firsthand what educational advocates have been saying about our STEM Campus and program. To have a nationally recognized educational institution right here in Cook County speaks volumes to the entire leadership team of RTHS, the faculty and student body.

The visit reflects Rich Township’s district-wide mission and vision: the district is focused on students and student success and envisions a culturally relevant, innovative school district that provides a foundation of opportunities for students to thrive.

Founded in 1970, the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) is dedicated to improving the educational experiences and accomplishments of African American and other students of color. The organization supports education professionals across the country through advocacy, professional development, and the sharing of best practices.

Rich Township High School District 227 invites community partners, local leaders, and stakeholders to follow highlights from the visit on the district’s social media channels using the hashtag #richinstudentsuccess.

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