STATE, COUNTY, AND LOCAL LEADERS TO TRAVEL TO PROVISO EAST HIGH SCHOOL TO HONOR STUDENTS FOR REMARKABLE TURNAROUND

Commissioner Tara Stamps. Photo courtesy STH Media
Commissioner Tara Stamps. Photo courtesy STH Media

Tara Stamps-Cook County Commissioner of the 1st District) joined by Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel Chris Welch, Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon, Illinois State Senator Kimberly Lightford, Chicago Teacher Union President Stacy Davis Gates, Maywood Mayor Nathaniel Booker, various West Suburban Mayors, Municipal leaders from across the Proviso Township region, Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education members, and Proviso East High School administration, educators, students, and families in a collective expression of joy, celebration, and recognition for a historic academic turnaround for Proviso East High School.

Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps is proudly leading this charge recognizing Proviso East High School and Proviso Township High Schools District 209 for achieving Commendable Status from the Illinois State Board of Education, marking a historic milestone in the school’s academic resurgence, and reaffirming its role as a leader in civic engagement.

In just three years, Proviso East has moved from a Comprehensive designation—representing the lowest-performing schools statewide—to Targeted, and now Commendable, reflecting intentional leadership, data-driven instruction, and a whole-school commitment to student success.


Commissioner Stamps and Illinois Speaker Of The House Chris Welch lead chorus of accolades

 and honors for students and teachers at a Press Conference held earlier today at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois


Proviso East has moved from a comprehensive designation- representing the lowest-performing schools statewide-to targeted, and now commendable, reflecting intentional leadership


“This recognition affirms what this community already knows,” said Commissioner Stamps. “When students are supported, educators are empowered, and leadership is focused, transformation is possible. Proviso East is not only rising academically, but also producing informed, engaged, and civically active young leaders.”

Academic Progress by the Numbers

Under the leadership of Principal Rodney Hull and District 209 administrators, Proviso East has demonstrated measurable, sustained improvement, including:

Graduation rates increased by more than 10 percent

Student truancy reduced by nearly 20 percent

A 20 percent increase in ninth-grade students are on track to graduate on time.

Beyond academic gains, Proviso East stands out as a leader in civic education and engagement. The school has been an active site for voter registration, civic learning initiatives, and student-led participation aligned with Illinois Senate Bill 1786 (SB1786)—legislation ensuring that graduating seniors receive both a high school diploma and a voter registration card.

“Proviso East is demonstrating what it looks like when schools prepare students not only for college and careers, but for citizenship,” said Stamps. “This is democracy in action. As Cook County continues to invest in youth, education, and equity, Proviso East stands as proof that targeted support and visionary leadership produce real outcomes,” she added.


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