ROCHELLE — Rochelle not only is a community rich in educational opportunities, but also has a nationally recognized award-winning hospital and a progressive city government.

These, in summation, were the topics discussed Thursday evening at the 17^th annual State of the Community Dinner, hosted by the League of Women Voters and Rochelle Chamber of Commerce.

Guest speakers Jason Harper, Supt. of Rochelle Township High School, Mark Batty, Rochelle Community Hospital CEO, and Jeff Fiegenschuh, Rochelle City Manager presented the various programs, services, and accomplishments in their respective positions and areas.

Diane McNeilly, LOWV member, explained this year’s program topic, “What’s New, Who’s New?” was based on both Harper’s and Fiegenschuh’s new positions as well as new services at the hospital.

Harper explained the steps administration takes to help students at RTHS in their path to readiness, including building a student profile based on future career goals. This profile outlines classes tailored to each individual student, factoring in general credits necessary for graduation. He also discussed students’ access to advanced placement and dual credit classes as well as vocational training through the Kishwaukee College Education Consortium.

“Our students are getting post-secondary college experience while in high school…they are given the tools and can see ‘am I ready for college?’” Harper said. “Through KEC we have 22 classes offered in a variety of fields — welding, law enforcement, auto repair, nursing, fire science...Our students are on their track to be ready for their tomorrow.”

Harper said RTHS will have 225 students graduating, also giving a special mention for those advancing to state competitions recently. He also touched on some of the challenges facing administration, including the uncertainty of state funding and issues facing schools nationwide.

“Safety is on everyone’s minds…we are in the midst of the Week of Us student-led initiative with activities that give these students an opportunity to speak their voice,” Harper said. “It’s a clean approach to keep kids safe and sound.”

Hospital happenings

Batty began his presentation with a video highlighting RCH as well as the importance of having a hometown hospital. He also discussed the hospital’s the new construction and renovations of the Health and Wellness Center, cafeteria, walk-in clinic, business and financial offices, and two patient rooms totaling $9.5 million since 2016.

Another area of concern, especially to rural hospitals’ financial stability, is accounting for reimbursement of medical care provided to non-insured patients. The recent repeal of a provision of the Affordable Care Act mandating Americans have health insurance reportedly could have dire financial consequences for rural hospitals.

Batty explained the annual budget allows for such instances.

“The hospital is not closing…the hospital is in good financial shape,” Batty said. “We have a $7.7 million write-off of non-reimbursed Medicaid and Medicare bills and another $2 million for bad debt.”

Batty said the hospital provides $1.2 million in financial assistance to those that need help paying their hospital bills. He also touched on the recent accomplishments including RCH’s designation of a top critical access hospital in the state, recognition for outstanding patient satisfaction in ambulatory surgery, most wire hospital for 2015-2017, and the fourth cleanest hospital in the nation.

State of the City

Fiegenschuh presented guests with his goals as city manager ranging from the areas of economic development and administration, to budgeting and personnel, also including personal and professional aspects as well.

Of the many accomplishments noted by staff over the last 12 months, in his presentation Fiegenschuh highlighted costs savings in all directions including staff consolidation and the use of interns, health insurance co-ops, and early separation incentives to name a few.

Fiegenschuh also touched on areas identified in the strategic planning sessions last month that outline both short and long-term goals. Evident at the wrap up of his presentation, Fiegenschuh said working together will accomplish more.

At the end of the evening McNeilly thanked the speakers, expressing the underlying theme that city leaders care about Rochelle and all citizens.

“I think the most important thing that these three leaders have is that they are transforming our community. They are providing good models for their employees, the students, and they are helping to grow our community,” McNeilly said, summarizing the evening. “The fact we are doing this — in the hospital for people who need it, we are doing things at the city level to grow our people, and we are doing all of these things for our youth in the schools covers the whole community. These are things that go home to families. I think it’s healthy what is happening and these are model people who are growing other adults and children.”