Benton Consolidated High School District 103

Background

Benton Consolidated High School District 103 (BCHS) is a public high school located in Benton, Illinois, operating since 1888. The district's mission is to provide quality education to students in grades 9 through 12, fostering academic excellence and personal growth. BCHS serves the community of Benton and surrounding areas, playing a significant role in the local education landscape.

Key Strategic Focus

BCHS focuses on delivering comprehensive secondary education, emphasizing core academic subjects, extracurricular activities, and athletic programs. The school offers a range of courses, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes, to prepare students for higher education and future careers. Athletically, the Benton Rangers compete in the Southern Illinois River-to-River Conference, offering sports such as baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, softball, track, volleyball, and wrestling.

Financials and Funding

In 2024, BCHS employed 90 staff members with an average annual salary of $61,310, which is 31% higher than the national average. The highest salary in the district was $174,248. The district's revenue per student was $21,730, slightly below the state median of $21,964, while spending per student was $23,456, exceeding the state median of $21,218. Over four years, revenue per student grew by 31%, and spending per student increased by 78%.

Academic Performance

BCHS has faced challenges in academic performance. In the 2020-2021 school year, the school ranked in the bottom 50% of Illinois public schools, with math and reading proficiency scores of 15-19%, below the state averages of 28% and 30%, respectively. The graduation rate was between 80-84%, compared to the state average of 87%.

Leadership Team

The district is led by Superintendent Benjamin Johnson and Principal Sean Docherty. Their leadership focuses on enhancing educational outcomes and addressing the challenges faced by the district.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

BCHS operates within Franklin County, Illinois, serving a population of approximately 12,553 residents over 170.2 square miles. The median household income is $54,231, and 16.1% of residents live below the poverty line.

Competitor Analysis

BCHS's primary competitor is West Frankfort High School, located seven miles south. Both schools compete in the Southern Illinois River-to-River Conference, fostering a longstanding athletic rivalry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BCHS collaborates with local community organizations and educational institutions to enhance student opportunities. Partnerships with nearby colleges, such as Rend Lake College, provide students with dual-credit courses and vocational training programs.

Operational Insights

BCHS's student-teacher ratio is 14:1, slightly higher than the Illinois state average of 13:1. The district's minority enrollment is 10%, predominantly Hispanic, which is lower than the state average of 55%.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

To improve academic performance, BCHS is focusing on curriculum enhancements, teacher professional development, and student support services. The district aims to increase AP course offerings and strengthen college preparatory programs. Additionally, BCHS plans to expand extracurricular activities and community engagement initiatives to foster a more inclusive and supportive educational environment.